WASHINGTON--NAB has released the first public report from the NextGen TV News Technology Lab, highlighting how local TV stations are using NextGen TV to make news, weather and emergency information more useful and accessible for viewers.

The lab, made possible by a $2.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, is helping stations test new features that could allow viewers to receive more localized storm updates, interact with weather coverage, access multilingual emergency resources and receive continuously updated public safety information from local broadcast stations.

The report offers a first look at two station projects focused on practical viewer-centered uses of NextGen TV: an interactive weather experience at WKMG-TV in Orlando, Fla., and an advanced emergency information project at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.

Launched in the fall of 2025, the NAB NextGen TV News Technology Lab brings together local television broadcasters, technology partners and industry organizations to test how NextGen TV can strengthen local journalism and public service. Powered by the ATSC 3.0 television standard, NextGen TV enables local stations to explore enhanced video, interactive features and more targeted information through free, over-the-air television.

The newly released public report includes project case studies, executive and participant interviews, video features, implementation insights and lessons learned from participating stations. The online resource will continue to grow as projects evolve and new findings emerge from the lab.

WKMG-TV is exploring how NextGen TV, streaming and artificial intelligence can help viewers get more personalized weather information. The project combines continuous weather coverage, audience interaction, AI-assisted responses and hyperlocal forecasting to help stations answer viewer questions and deliver more relevant updates during fast-changing weather.

WJLA-TV is testing how NextGen TV can improve emergency communications during severe weather and public safety events. The project explores how local stations can provide viewers with more targeted information, including interactive maps, accessibility features, multilingual resources and continuously updated guidance.

The NextGen TV News Technology Lab is scheduled to continue through summer 2028, with additional station projects, case studies and findings to be shared as the work advances.

The report is available online.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—Spectrum News has announced a significant expansion of its local news operations by launching networks in Sacramento and San Francisco and creating a new statewide news network.

With the expansion, Spectrum News also announced that it is now available on all Spectrum TV and Xfinity TV lineups across the state.

The additional networks in San Francisco and Sacramento have dedicated reporters covering each market to deliver deep, original reporting on the topics that matter.

The networks also will feature local weather updates and Spectrum News’ signature “SN90” headlines tailored to each region.

The expanded coverage also includes a statewide Spectrum News network, delivering California-focused coverage to viewers in Bakersfield, Fresno, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Redding and more – extending Spectrum News’ reach across Northern, Central and Southern California.

The Los Angeles-based, Emmy Award-winning Spectrum News 1 will continue its local coverage, ensuring

“California is made up of distinct communities, but the issues shaping daily life are deeply interconnected,” said Mike Bair, executive vice president of Spectrum Networks. “This expansion allows us to go deeper, telling more layered, purpose-driven stories, connecting what’s happening across state, and bringing audiences closer to the issues that matter most viewers."

As part of the expansion, veteran Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer Lisa Ling joins Spectrum News, bringing her experience in deeply reported, human-centered storytelling across national platforms. Ling most recently served as a contributor for CBS News, where she covered a range of issues. Prior to CBS, she hosted and produced This is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN and was a correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show.

In addition to its Southern California newsroom, Spectrum News has added multimedia journalists in key markets to strengthen local reporting across California, including Raquel Maria Dillon and Jack Molmud in San Francisco, Muna Sadek in Sacramento, Brent Cannon in Fresno, and additional journalists to be based in Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco and San Luis Obispo. Each brings strong local journalism experience and a deep understanding of the communities they cover.

Spectrum News is available to Spectrum TV customers in California on channel 1, and via the Spectrum TV app on mobile, Xumo Stream Box, and Apple and Roku devices. For Xfinity customers, Spectrum News is available on Channel 1132.

More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.

ATLANTA—Gray Media has announced that Joanie Vasiliadis will join the company in the new role of Senior Vice President for Transformation on June 1, 2026.

In the new role, she will be tasked with accelerating the company’s on-going digital transformation of its content gathering, creation, workflow and distribution initiatives.

She brings more than a decade of experience driving growth across digital, streaming and broadcast platforms, with deep expertise in editorial strategy, product integration, audience development and organizational change. She’s known for building high-performing teams, creating scalable workflows and pairing strong editorial judgment with data-driven decision-making.

Most recently, Vasiliadis served as Vice President of Content at Tegna, where she oversaw content strategy and operations across 64 brands. During her tenure, she led major initiatives focused on newsroom modernization and platform growth. She spearheaded the launch of their national breaking news desk, audience team and streaming team.

In her career, she has also led enterprise-wide operational transformation efforts, developed AI and digital training programs for thousands of journalists and partnered closely with executive leadership on long-term growth initiatives. Prior to joining the Tegna leadership team, she served as Digital Director at WUSA9, Tegna’s CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C.

She was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and Broadcasting & Cable’s Digital Dynamos list. She earned her degree in journalism from Penn State University.

Building on a deal announced last August to unify Gray Media's digital footprint, Quickplay has announced the full-scale deployment of Gray Media's next-generation streaming platform, which is now delivering hyper-local news and entertainment to 37% of US TV households.

Built with Google Cloud AI, the new platform is currently live across Gray's 113 legacy television markets, and will soon be launched across four new markets that recently joined the Gray Media family.

The new platform, which is built on Quickplay's orchestration infrastructure and Google Cloud's unified AI stack, is a notable development in AI-powered digital delivery of local news because it consolidates Gray's entire digital footprint — 163 websites, 326 mobile apps and 815 smart TV applications — onto a single data-driven architecture.

The integration allows Gray Media to manage 1,300 digital touchpoints with real-time viewer intelligence, delivering hyper-local news and entertainment to 37% of US TV households with unprecedented speed. The integrated operation is now running 269 live channels under centralized management and 123 FAST channels active across Amazon Prime, FireTV, Roku, Samsung TV Plus and Vizio.

"Our vision to transform the local news experience has taken a step forward today," said Pat LaPlatney, president and co-CEO, Gray Media. "Our collaboration with Quickplay and Google Cloud has enabled us to not just build but scale a platform that empowers our local newsrooms and provides our viewers with a truly next-generation experience. With well over 1,000 digital touchpoints and 123 FAST channels now active, we are leading the charge in AI-powered streaming innovation – redefining the delivery of tailored local content to our viewers on every screen they own."

To manage the complexity of 1,300+ digital touchpoints at scale, Gray has implemented Quickplay's orchestration layer, providing a cohesive framework that seamlessly integrates live channel management, content scheduling, ad insertion and distribution into a single automated workflow, driving greater operational agility and efficiency.

Early data from the rollout shows that moving to this unified, AI-driven cloud platform is already delivering significant business value, Gray and its tech partners said. Quickplay described those advantages as follows:

• Lower costs: Consolidating hundreds of separate systems into one cloud platform has significantly reduced infrastructure spending.
• Higher engagement: Personalized content recommendations are keeping viewers watching for longer.
• Faster news delivery: Newsrooms can now get breaking stories to the public twice as fast as before.
• Greater ad value: Precision targeting has increased the value and efficiency of Gray's advertising slots.

The platform is built on two primary pillars designed to bridge the gap between traditional broadcast and digital-first streaming. Quickplay acts as the operating system, organizing video and data into one orchestrated flow. Google Cloud AI provides the intelligence and global reach to power Gray's 113+ markets.

More specifically Quickplay handles the following:

• Unified management at scale: Quickplay provides a single, AI-ready orchestration layer that handles 269 live channels simultaneously, ensuring that high-quality video never lags for the end viewer. This centralized control allows Gray to manage its entire digital footprint through one interface.
• Seamless, broadcast-quality transitions: By leveraging LiveOps and Digital Scheduling, the platform manages the switch between shows and commercials with frame-accurate timing. This ensures that the streaming experience feels as smooth as traditional television while enabling the modern, addressable advertising necessary to drive digital revenue.
• Rapid market expansion: The architecture allows Gray to quickly launch and distribute content across 815 distinct smart TV applications and 123 FAST channels, allowing Gray to easily grow its audience.

"Gray Media is one of the largest local broadcast operations in the country, and deploying a unified infrastructure across 113+markets was not a simple integration," said Paul Pastor, Chief Business Officer, Quickplay. "But this is what Quickplay's content to value operating system was built to do. And the deployment is only the starting point – our goal is to set operators up for what comes next. That means an architecture that is ready to optimize AI at every layer and open to publishing endpoints that do not exist yet."

Google Cloud described its role as follows:

• Hyper-personalization at scale: Using Vertex AI, the platform understands viewer intent in real-time, delivering tailored content discovery that keeps audiences engaged longer.
• Operational intelligence: BigQuery enables Gray to analyze viewership patterns across 1,300+ touchpoints. This turns raw data into immediate programming and business strategies. This helps Gray's leadership see exactly what is trending across 113+ markets instantly, so they can make better business decisions.
• High-fidelity delivery and monetization: By integrating Media CDN with Google Ad Manager's Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI), Gray is able to handle ads and videos in the same system, which removes the delays and glitches often caused by using outside ad companies. This allows Gray to deliver personalized ads directly into the stream to maximize revenue without operational overhead or latency.

"This isn't just a migration; it's an AI-driven reimagining of the local media business model," said Albert Lai, global director of Strategic Industries, Telco, Media and Technology, Google Cloud. "By unifying their footprint on our AI and data platform, Gray Media has become a dynamic, data-driven enterprise. The scale of this rollout proves that when a media leader innovates with Quickplay's agility and Google scale, you create a new gold standard for ROI in the streaming era."

Over the next quarter, Quickplay reported that it will deploy the next phase of capabilities across Gray's platform, including:

• A Next-Gen application interface (a ground-up redesign)
• Native Mobile Verticalization
• AI-Embedded Shorts Creation
• Live Clipping with Ad-Marker Preservation
• Hybrid Hyper-Personalization (Content- and User-based recommendations)
• Precision Interactive Player Controls and Picture-in-Picture
• Dynamic Bitrate Adaptation
• Cross-Platform Universal Search
• Advanced Stream Monitoring & Tracking

NEW YORK—A new survey from Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) finds that TV news remains the most consumed, most trusted news source and that key consumer groups for advertisers are more likely to turn to TV rather than social media for breaking news.

The new report called “That’s The Way It Is: How TV News Provides Scale, Attention & Engagement For High-Value Audiences” explores viewership of TV news versus other media platforms among three key audiences valued by advertisers: adults 35-54, individuals in $100K+ households and full-time employed adults.

The report—based on findings from a December 2025 survey conducted in partnership with Dynata of 2,319 U.S. adults—found that about half of these audience cohorts — 52% of those aged 35-54, 46% individuals in households making more than $100,000 a year and 56% of full-time employed adults — are watching more TV news compared to the previous year.

They are also much more likely to go to TV news first over social media for breaking news coverage and updates on major news stories. TV news is also their top source by far for vital information that personally impacts their daily lives, like weather and traffic.

“Multiscreen TV news plays a central role in keeping influential audiences informed,” said Jason Wiese, executive vice president of strategic insights and measurement, VAB. “From breaking headlines and defining political moments to local community updates, multiscreen TV news keeps key audiences connected to the stories shaping their world. In a media environment filled with misinformation and noise, it continues to stand out for its quality, reliability, accuracy and integrity.”

“The results underscore the value of multiscreen TV news as a credible, brand-safe platform for reaching influential audiences at scale, especially in comparison with social platforms and technologies like AI,” added Wiese. “Across linear and streaming, multiscreen TV news offers advertisers an environment that pairs trust and attention with meaningful consumer engagement and action.”

The VAB researchers described the other key findings as follows:

• Viewers are more than twice as likely to have a higher opinion of the advertisers in local TV news. Additionally, high-income households and employed viewers are more than 2x more likely to buy from advertisers seen during national TV news.
• Collectively, households with an income of $100K+ are almost 13x more likely to trust TV news than social media platforms — with TV the most trusted news source as both local and national TV far outpace search, social media and AI across these audiences.
• Social media is seen as a far greater source of false information — with 46% of A35–54, 58% of HHI $100K+ and 50% of full-time employed adults saying it is the most likely to provide fake or misleading information, compared to 20%, 13% and 17% who say TV.
• TV offers a range of engaging political content throughout the election season, and that heightened viewer engagement increases the likelihood of buying from advertisers that are adjacent to political programming or political ads. In fact, high-income households are 114% more likely to buy from advertisers during a political debate or town hall.

The full report—which includes in-depth data, charts and analysis—here.

BRIDGEVILL, Pa.—Sinclair Broadcasting station WTOV has transformed their studio into a digitally enhanced broadcast center that delivers live news programming through a variety of electronic and color-changing backgrounds.

Sinclair’s Eric Castagne, assistant director of television production at Sinclair, took the lead designing the electronic sets, with support from director of television production, Mark Nadeau.

Castagne, along with Nadeau, created three distinct sets, including a dedicated green screen area. Two studio walls with interactive LED backgrounds sit behind the news anchors, positioned at a 90-degree angle from each other. A new main anchor desk; an interview set; and a chroma key/sports broadcast area round out the improvements. The LED walls are lit for full walk-and-talk ability, enhancing their high-end, immersive look.

With the upgrade, WTOV is now lit with a combination of new Brightline LED fixtures and LED upgrades to its original SeriesONE fluorescent fixtures, complemented by highlights from Brightline Pup fresnels, mounted throughout the studio. The result creates an exciting canvas of future programming opportunities for WTOV.

WTOV serves the Wheeling, West Virginia and Steubenville, Ohio market as an affiliate of NBC and Fox.

The WTOV equipment list for the sets includes:

• LED Retrofit kit for Brightline S1.2 & S1.4 fluorescent fixtures (24x)
• Minnow 55W LED Profile Spotlight (10x)
• Lupo DayLED 650 60W Fresnel (3x)
• Lupo DayLED 1000 110W Fresnel (11x)
• Pup 55W Fresnel (10x)
• ETC ColorSource lighting control console (1x)

MELVILLE, N.Y.—Chyron has released Weather 2.3, the latest edition of Chyron’s weather visualization suite for broadcasters and meteorologists.

The release includes new features and improvements focused on providing users with greater flexibility and customization options, high-quality weather visuals to support storytelling, streamlined workflow integration with automation tools and virtual sets, and enhanced data processing to deliver accurate and air-ready assets.

“Ease of use and efficiency have always been our main focus”, said Michael Harter, product manager of Chyron Weather. “We continuously work with customers to ensure they get the most out of the solution, and this close relationship enables us to get valuable insights that fuel the development process. It’s due to that synergy that we keep enhancing Chyron Weather with best-in-class features that make our clients’ daily operations more efficient.”

Chyron Weather 2.3 delivers broadcast-quality weather visuals via modern FFmpeg video encoding and dual SDI output to integrate weather graphics and lower thirds seamlessly into virtual and hybrid sets. Dual DVI outputs allow viewing of the main playlist and the virtual overlay in two separate DVI displays. This release includes new SDI output resolutions such as UHD, 4K DCI, and 2K DCI. There is also a new Virtual Globe playlist option, which offers seamless 3D globe weather visuals designed for virtual environments.

A key pillar of the release is providing users with greater flexibility and customization capabilities. Chyron Weather 2.3 introduces the ability to tailor shortcuts with the modes and tools operators need for their everyday work, as well as the possibility to create weather content in custom resolutions and aspect ratios, such as square and portrait, that can be further utilized on different social media platforms and websites to keep the audience engaged and informed.

Streamlined automation is another enhancement included. Weather’s integration within third-party workflows is now deeper, allowing external automation tools and virtual sets to both read from and control a new set of capabilities of the Weather Presenter playlist. Camera positions, timing, and content visibility can be pre-defined and aligned to ensure better consistency and reliability while saving time by reducing manual inputs.

Finally, Chyron Weather 2.3 incorporates a series of improvements to simplify data intake and processing. This includes the capacity to integrate with PostgreSQL databases, expanding the available data sources; and enhanced file pattern configuration for time-referenced nodes, enabling the correct intake of files, even when they don’t match the recommended naming convention. Additionally, this release includes support for newer MySQL authentication methods to strengthen security and reliability, as well as enhanced support for third-party map data providers.

For the latest updates on Chyron Weather and more details on its features and enhancements, visit chyron.com.

STAMFORD, Conn.—Spectrum News has inked a deal with New England Cable News (NECN) and NBCUniversal for the acquisition of substantially all the assets of NECN, including the network’s existing distribution agreements throughout New England.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone for Spectrum News as we grow our operation in New England and expand our viewership to additional markets across the country," said Mike Bair, executive vice president of Spectrum Networks. "We look forward to building on a storied local news brand and honoring the importance of local news that serves communities throughout New England."

The transaction will deliver Spectrum News’ award-winning local journalism to additional viewers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

As a result of the agreement, Spectrum News networks in Maine and Massachusetts will combine with NECN and rebrand as Spectrum News NECN in the upcoming months.

The new combined network will continue to be available to existing NECN distributors throughout New England and will also be available to Spectrum customers in Maine and Massachusetts along with Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The deal is part of an ongoing expansion of Spectrum News. In recent years it has launched multiple local linear TV news networks across the country, a streaming news network, Spectrum News+; a Spanish-language news network, Spectrum Noticias. In addition, it has introduced a mobile news app that currently has more than 6 million downloads and created its local connected TV news app on Xumo Stream Box, Roku and Apple TV.

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on over 30 networks across Charter’s footprint. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.

ATLANTA—CBS Atlanta has announced the launch of its new weekday morning newscast, CBS News Atlanta Mornings, a one-hour morning newscast will feature hyper-local reporting, immersive weather reporting and national headlines from a state-of-the-art AR/VR news studio.

“Our goal is to meet viewers where they are in their communities and deliver news that helps them start their day informed, prepared, and connected,” said Tom Canedo, president and general manager of CBS Atlanta. “This morning show reflects our commitment to meaningful local journalism, paired with the unmatched resources of CBS News.”

The show will also offer a 24/7 monitor look that offers live feeds from all CBS stations and bureaus around the country.

Using advanced mapping technology and on-the-ground reporting, the team will cover stories that matter most from neighborhood developments to public safety, transportation, education, politics, health and economic impact.

The debut of CBS News Atlanta Mornings is part of a significant investment by CBS Stations in the Atlanta market. Over the past year, the company has expanded its newsroom, launched a groundbreaking AR/VR studio, accelerated hiring across editorial, production, and digital teams, and rolled out new local news and weather operations.

Since launching its local news and weather operations in August, CBS Atlanta has quickly gained traction with viewers, surging with more than 150% in year-to-year growth.

CBS Atlanta’s AR/VR news studio is the first of its kind in the Southeast, the ninth in the CBS Station group. It is also the second fully immersive AR/VR-enabled studio in the station groups that delivers all the news in the AR/VR format. It's Bay-area stations in California were to first to go all AR/VR.

TYSONS, Va.—In a notable example of how local broadcasters are responding to widespread usage of mobile video, Tegna is making a major bet on mobile video with the launch of new mobile apps across 50 markets.

The innovative new apps deliver up-to-the-minute coverage of news and weather stories from its local journalists and meteorologists and provide users with thousands of original daily mobile videos in a scrolling vertical feed that are personalized for users based on individual preferences.

The new mobile apps are part of a larger strategy by the station group to transform its news operations into 24/7 story-first newsrooms, built to capture and deliver local stories in real time as they unfold.

“Our audiences rely on us for credible, local coverage that helps them stay connected to their communities and make informed decisions in the moment. That’s why we’ve reimagined our newsrooms as story-first operations, built for speed and accuracy around the clock – not just fixed broadcast timeslots. This app is an expression of our local newsroom of the future, where great local journalism meets people exactly where they are, on the devices they use throughout the day,” said Adrienne Roark, chief content officer, Tegna.

The new mobile app first launched in four beta markets – Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, and Seattle – and is available for download in both the App Store and Google Play Store, with other Tegna markets launching on a rolling basis over the next few weeks.

The new app is already delivering strong results. Video plays are up more than tenfold during the testing period, and user sessions have increased by 40%.

“By emphasizing digital design and the user experience, we’re delivering what audiences truly want: real-time, easy-to-watch video updates from trusted local reporters and weather teams,” said Dhanusha Sivajee, chief experience officer. “We’re encouraged with the early audience response and plan to release new mobile features on a regular basis tied to the valuable feedback we receive from our users.”

“To make true 24/7 news coverage across all screens possible, we had to reimagine the software powering our local teams from end-to-end,” said Kurt Rao, CTO. “Employing cutting-edge technology has unlocked more time for the teams to create original content for streaming and mobile.”

Tegna described the key features of the new mobile app as follows:

• Elegant design and fast video and image load times;
• Localized onboarding and active customization so users can quickly set location, interests, and notification preferences for the topics they care about most;
• A personalized home feed that surfaces the most important local news and weather stories in real time, tailored to each user;
• Story summaries that combine text, visuals, and related coverage so people can choose to skim, watch, or dive deeper into any story;
• A social‑native vertical video player that offers an immersive, scrollable feed of short original clips from local reporters and meteorologists;
• Best‑in‑class local weather with customizable forecasts, maps, and alerts powered by station meteorologists;
• Topic exploration hubs that highlight in‑depth coverage of key local and national priorities, including politics, public safety, education, sports, and community life;
• Premium integrated advertising solutions that give brands new ways to reach highly engaged, local mobile audiences;
• Profile and account tools that let users manage preferences, save stories, and receive alerts across devices.

NEW YORK—During a high-profile session at NAB Show New York, new survey data was shared that revealed significant public concern over artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to erode trust in journalism.

“The Future of News: AI, New Revenues and Risks, and the Policy Response” panel discussed the survey and AI’s growing influence in the media ecosystem, including threats to the sustainability of local news and the need for government action.

More specifically, the research, conducted by OnMessage Inc., revealed that:

• 76% are concerned about AI stealing or reproducing journalism and local news stories, with 51% being very concerned.
• 77% support, and 59% strongly support, Congress passing a law that would make it illegal for AI to steal or reproduce journalism and local news stories that are published online without permission or compensation.
• Only 26% trust information produced by AI, while 68% say it is not trustworthy.
• 72% believe the federal government should place guardrails on AI to protect consumers.

“This data reflects a real and growing concern among Americans that AI could erode the integrity of journalism and undermine the trusted connection between broadcasters and the communities we serve,” said NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Scraping broadcasters’ content without permission or compensation strips away context and threatens the credibility of local news. This conversation at NAB Show New York is just the beginning of a critical national dialogue to ensure new technologies support, rather than exploit, trusted local journalism, as well as the necessity of a level playing field for broadcasters to fairly negotiate the terms of use with AI platforms.”

Several major news organizations, including News Corp. and the New York Times, have already sued major tech companies over copyright violations and the unauthorized use of their content in training AI models.

The panel also explored the business pressures AI creates for local newsrooms — where shrinking margins, high production costs and increasing content misappropriation by AI systems threaten the sustainability of fact-based, community-focused journalism.

NEW YORK—Consumers of local broadcast news continue to deem it as a valuable source of information—whether it’s political races, local sports teams or weather—regardless of accessing it on their TVs or digitally, according to a new study conducted by GfK/NIQ for TVB.

More than 3,100 respondents took part in the 2025 Local Broadcast News Survey, which examined how news consumers receive local news content, the value they place on local news and the influence of local news on their purchasing decisions.

The findings show that Americans value access to local news, whether on traditional television or digital platforms, and that this access strongly influences how they research products, make buying decisions and choose service providers.

The survey found:

• Local news is predominantly consumed on TVs, but 40% or respondents consume it on mobile devices or PCs, and 27% report consuming news on both.
• 95% of respondents said it is important to be able to receive local news on their local TV station.
• 72% of cable, satellite or streaming subscribers would likely seek out another provider if their current provider stopped carrying their local TV news stations.
• 95% of respondents said their local broadcast news station is important for providing information during severe weather and emergencies.
• 94% said the same of their local broadcast stations’ websites and apps.
• 93% of respondents said their local broadcast news station is important during elections.
• 92% of respondents who follow sports news value local broadcasters for the sports news they provide.

At a time when the trustworthiness of alternative news sources is a growing concern, local broadcast news receives high marks. Eighty-eight percent of respondents ranked local TV news as their No. 1 for trust, while 84% did so for local broadcast TV stations’ dedicated streaming video news apps and 82% for local TV stations' text/video on a website/app.

While respondents said local broadcast TV station news is among the least prevalent sources of fake news, 44% pointed to social media and 25% to cable news as the places where fake news is most prevalent, the research found.

The researchers also sought to find out how respondents consume local TV news. Seventy-eight percent of respondents said they watch live local TV news on a television set, and 60% do so on a mobile device. Fifty-six percent watch daily or a few times per week on local TV websites or streaming services; 51% watch via a local station’s dedicated streaming news app; and 53% watch via streaming service. Two-thirds reported being loyal to the same station for their local news.

The researchers also wanted to determine how TV ads on local news motivated consumers to do more research. They found the ads motivated 76% of legal service recipients to do more research, 74% of car buyers to do so and 69% of remodelers to do more research online.

The research also revealed four out of 10 respomdnts turn on the TV (41%) or click on stories to get more details (37%) after seeing local stations’ news content on social media.

It also found local broadcast TV news assets are important in influencing consumers to consider (58%) and actually purchase a product (53%).

More information is available on the TVB website.

Zeam has announced that it has acquired the local streaming news service NewsOn from Sinclair, in a move that will strengthen Zeam’s local and hyperlocal news offerings.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t announced. The deal was announced on the same week that Sinclair announced it was embarking on a comprehensive review of its assets and broadcasting business.

NewsON provides a nationwide selection of local news from 285+ TV stations, giving viewers access to live and on-demand local news.

In addition to providing streaming technologies and services to a large number of clients, including live local broadcasts on Paramount+, the NFL, Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, Hulu, fuboTV and hundreds of other apps and websites, Zeam CEO Jack Perry and his team also launched hyperlocal streaming service, Zeam, in 2024.

Zeam currently features streams from hundreds of local stations and has partnerships with such top local broadcast groups as CBS, Gray Media, News Press & Gazette, Morgan Murphy, Tegna and others.

The NewsON stations will be integrated into Zeam’s core streaming service while NewsOn will continue as a standalone service called “NewsON. Powered by Zeam.”

As a result of the acquisition, Zeam will now feature local streams covering every U.S. measured market.

“With NewsON coming under the Zeam umbrella, we are not only shaping the future of local broadcast journalism, but also reinforcing its essential role in American communities,” Jack Perry, CEO of Zeam, said, “Through our joint resources we are setting local broadcasters up for a future beyond linear.”

Zeam also reported that NewsON be backed by Zeam’s streaming technology and its monetization expertise. Broadcasters will gain from the combined strength of Zeam and NewsON, in terms of further monetization opportunities, deeper engagement, and the innovative tools Zeam provides to local broadcast partners, Zeam reported.

“NewsON has been an important resource for connecting viewers with trusted local news from across the country. We’re confident that under Zeam’s leadership, the platform will continue to support stations and strengthen the value of local journalism,” said Kevin Cotlove, executive vice president and chief digital officer, Sinclair.

DALLAS—CBS Stations has expanded its use of an in-house developed augmented reality and virtual reality solution for news and weather with the launch of a new AR/VR studio at CBS Texas.

The launch makes CBS Texas the first station in the region to introduce this technology. It is the eighth market where CBS Stations has launched the solution since it was first developed at its Bay Area operations.

CBS Texas debuted the AR/VR system on-air Monday, June 23, during the CBS News Texas 5 p.m. newscast, led by First Alert chief meteorologist McKenna King, who guided viewers through the first immersive weather segment using the new platform.

The AR/VR-enabled studio, measuring approximately 20,384 cubic feet, transforms storytelling by offering a dynamic, visually rich experience that brings weather to life. From hyperrealistic weather simulations to immersive storytelling environments, the technology enhances both presentation and viewer comprehension of complex topics, the station group said.

“The launch in Texas further underscores our commitment to investing in the future of local journalism,” said Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital. “Through the expansion of our technological capabilities, we continue to deepen how we serve our communities, elevate the viewer experience and shape the future of broadcast journalism.”

“Over the past year, we’ve evolved every part of our newsroom – from refreshing our newscasts, updating our brand and building a multiplatform coverage strategy,” said Raquel Amparo, president and general manager of CBS Texas. “This technology is the next chapter and allows us to enhance meaningful content for everyone we serve.”

The launch follows successful implementations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Denver and Miami.

TYSONS, Va.—Tegna is embarking on a notable expansion of its already substantial local news programming by launching live and on-demand local newscasts from 7 to 9 a.m. daily in more than 50 markets through streaming, connected TV apps and station websites.

Overall, the expansion of local news programming will deliver over 100 hours of daily breaking news, weather and traffic to more than 100 million viewers.

Stations in 35 markets will be actively delivering live, local programming from 7 to 9 a.m. this summer, with 50+ markets expected to have live, local programming in that window this fall, the broadcaster reported.

“Local news drives daily decisions,” said Adrienne Roark, chief content officer at Tegna. “With the debut of our new programming, our audiences will now have the option to watch live news produced by their trusted stations during a time of day when local coverage has been largely unavailable. In addition to serving our viewers, it will also create new opportunities for our advertisers to reach audiences regardless of where they are and how they consume our content.”

Tegna stations across the country, including KGW Portland, Oregon, WCNC Charlotte, North Carolina, and WKYC Cleveland, began testing the live digital news stream in the 7 a.m. time slot earlier this year. In some markets, viewership increased by nearly 50% month-over-month, spiking even higher during severe weather or times of breaking news.

“This content expansion reinforces our companywide commitment to local news and we’re confident that it will further strengthen our newsrooms, enhance the viewer experience, support our communities and deliver value to all stakeholders,” Roark added.

To access the new digital content, Tegna said, viewers can download and open the Tegna station’s Plus app on a streaming device such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or visit their local station’s website to access the livestream directly from a web browser. In select markets, this new programming will also be available on Tegna's secondary broadcast channels.

SEATTLE—KCPQ (Fox 13) and KZJO (Fox 13+) here have announced that they will be expanding their news programming. Beginning June 16, the stations will provide more local news, adding new newscasts and greatly increasing their live local news offerings on streaming.

As part of the effort, Fox 13 is investing in digital platforms with 31 additional hours of live-streamed news content every week on its Fox Local Seattle streaming platform. Viewers can expect live anchored updates throughout the day, ensuring local news is available anytime, anywhere. KCPQ and KZJO are both owned by Fox Television Stations.

Additionally, beginning later this summer, “Good Day Seattle” will now run six full hours from 5 to 11 a.m., providing early risers and late starters with live local news, weather and features.

Together, Fox 13 and Fox 13+ are adding 2.5 hours of additional news content to their weekday broadcast schedule, bringing viewers more access to trusted information throughout the day, the stations said.

“By expanding our local programming and enhancing our streaming presence, we're making it easier for viewers to stay informed, wherever and whenever they choose to watch,” said Amber Eikel, senior vice president and general manager of KCPQ-KZJO. “This transformation reflects our commitment to delivering trusted, relevant news across all platforms.”

• 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., “Seattle News Tonight”: Local news with depth, context and the stories that matter to the community. Long-form interviews, extended live coverage on local stories, and in-studio guests.
• 6 p.m., “Washington News Wrap”: A nightly focused look at state headlines and regional developments.
• 6:30 p.m., “Washington Sports Wrap”: The day's top sports stories from across the state.
• 7 p.m., “West Coast News Wrap”: Coverage and commentary on major stories along the coast.
• 10 p.m., “Seattle News Tonight”

On Fox 13+ (KZJO) the news schedule will be:

• 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.: “Seattle News Tonight”

NEW YORK—Don’t put that nail in the coffin of broadcast television quite yet. Contrary to a chorus of voices from the connected television and digital sectors, broadcast TV—specifically the local broadcast news—leads other media and platforms in driving the conversations of Americans about the topics of the day.

The finding, one of several underscoring the continued strength of broadcast TV among Americans, comes from a national study of more than 4,000 people conducted by GfK/NIQ for the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB), the trade association representing U.S. local commercial TV stations.

TVB commissioned the study to learn more about media’s role in influencing conversations. Respondents across demographic groups, political party affiliations, races and ethnicities were also asked about the influence of various media outlets and their platform preferences.

Questions covered include:

• Which medium is the strongest conversation driver—TV, streaming, radio, social media, podcasts or newspapers?
• What are people’s attitudes toward news sources regarding trust, believability, shareability and fake news?
• How do media platforms influence political word-of-mouth?
• How influential are media platforms on word of mouth among those who are in the market for products and services like auto, healthcare, home improvement, legal services, physical fitness, restaurants, retail and travel?
• On which platforms do people prefer to view their sports—linear or streaming?

Researchers found 80% of respondents have daily conversations about topics covered by local broadcast TV station newscasts. TV remains the dominant driver of these conversations, whether they are about the news of the day, local and regional news, weather, sports, traffic or politics when compared to ad-supported streaming platforms, social media, print, radio, podcasts or direct mail.

The study also revealed that among all digital choices, conversations about news of the day are most affected by local TV stations’ websites and apps.

Broadcast TV was also identified as the primary news source among survey takers. Respondents found local broadcast news assets to be the most shareworthy, trustworthy and believable among key age demographics, high-net-worth homes and consumer categories, the survey found.

Social media, though, was regarded as the least trustworthy and believable, as well as the most strongly associated with fake news, per the survey.

Other findings:

• Across key product categories, TV was selected most by respondents as the media that sparks or is referenced in their daily news conversations.
• Across the spectrum of professional and college sports, respondents overwhelmingly chose linear TV over streaming sources as their viewing source.
• Regardless of political affiliation, respondents chose TV as the biggest impact on their daily conversations about news.

Respondents also reported feeling a strong sense of closeness and familiarity with local TV news. This emotional connection to their local stations further reinforces TV’s importance and effectiveness in influencing both personal dialogue and consumer behavior, TVB said.

More information is available on the TVB website.

Streaming solutions provider Zeam Media is launching ZeamCast, a marketplace that enables streamers to add local content to their lineup and offers local stations another way to grow their digital audience and boost their advertising revenue.

“I started this company with the goal of connecting every local broadcaster to every viewer,” Zeam Media CEO Jack Perry said. “I’ve always been a big champion of local broadcasters throughout my career, which is why both the National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Technology Association were my early backers. Now, more than a decade later, the need and demand for local broadcast news continues to grow, but many streamers are facing the challenges of cost and complexity in delivering this content to their audiences. With ZeamCast, we offer a solution for streamers and broadcasters that also helps our team work towards our earliest goal of connecting every broadcaster to every viewer.”

With ZeamCast, Zeam Media handles all technology and advertising infrastructure, eliminating technical hurdles for both participating streamers and local stations. Smaller streamers with less access to technological resources, content and monetization opportunities will especially benefit from the platform, the company said.

The burgeoning creator community can also leverage ZeamCast by using it to build an unlimited number of FAST channels ready for distribution to streamers, Zeam reported.

ZeamMedia currently powers some of the industry’s most successful OTT platforms, including live local broadcasts on Paramount+, NFL.com, Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, Hulu, and fuboTV, plus hundreds of other apps and websites.

Perry and his team also launched hyperlocal streaming service Zeam in 2024 with its moniker, “Always Local, Always Free.”

Zeam currently features streams from hundreds of local stations and has partnerships with such top local broadcast groups as CBS, Gray Media, News Press & Gazette, Morgan Murphy, and others. Actor John Stamos serves as chief innovation officer of Zeam.

WASHINGTON—As part of an ongoing push to strengthen local reporting, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has awarded a $649,703 grant to the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom (AMSN).

AMSN is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, led by Louisville Public Media, that was launched last fall to provide relevant, fact-based information to local communities across Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.

One example of their work occurred when deadly floods swept through the region in the wake of Hurricane Helene last fall. In the wake of that disaster, AMSN and nine partner stations moved quickly, deploying a veteran journalist to cover storm damage in Eastern Tennessee, while statehouse reporters in Nashville provided useful information and context from the capital.

In addition to Louisville Public Media, the other stations in the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom are: WKU Public Radio (Bowling Green, Ky.); WEKU (Richmond, Ky.); WKMS (Murray, Ky.); WPLN Nashville Public Radio; WUOT (Knoxville, Tenn.); and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

“Local journalism is essential to the civic health of America’s communities,” said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and CEO. “In addition to providing fact-based reporting and emergency information, public media stations respond to the information needs of the communities they serve, reflecting and respecting local voices and perspectives, including stories of civic pride and engagement. These stations are committed to working together with the communities they serve, and they have already started.”

The grant builds on the nearly $50 million CPB has invested in journalism collaborations across the country during the past 15 years. The collaborations, which involve public media stations working together to provide information and news to residents in rural areas of the country, cover topics of regional concern, such as agriculture, veterans and active military issues, and rural life.

“We’re thrilled to have CPB’s support to extend shared services and capabilities that will make our journalism more impactful and sustainable,” said Ellen Oost, co-interim CEO of Louisville Public Media. “This collaboration allows us to coordinate journalism resources to strengthen local news across our region, which covers a swath of rural America as well as population centers—each with a distinct culture and common concerns.”

In awarding the grant, the CPB noted that the 2024 Medill State of Local News Report found that 13 counties in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia have no local news sources, and 187 counties have only one local news source.

It also stressed that rural communities are at especially high risk of losing local news and this region is no exception. The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom provides access to local and regional news to all these counties, connecting rural communities and nearby population centers.

“West Virginia Public Broadcasting can only strengthen our storytelling by working with other stations in greater Appalachia,” Eddie Isom, executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, said. “We see this collaboration as a positive step in working together to tell the important stories that are happening in an often overlooked region.”

Each station in the collaboration contributes the equivalent of one reporter’s time to producing stories for a regional audience. CPB support over three years will fund a video journalist and a project manager and support four shared positions.

NEW YORK—LiveNow From Fox, Fox Television Stations’ national news streaming service, has released viewing data showing the first quarter was the best quarter in its history, delivering more than 500 million video views on YouTube, according to Comscore.

With 502 million video views on YouTube, LiveNow reported that it outpaced NBC News by 42% (353 million), ABC News by 56% (322 million) and CBS News by 217% (158 million) on the social platform. Compared to the same period last year, LiveNow grew by 373% on YouTube.

“There are many options for mainstream scripted packaged news. Fox takes a different path. It is locally powered coverage that is unscripted and intentionally raw,” Jeff Zelmer, Fox Television Stations executive vice president of digital operations, said. “It's no surprise that this unique, live, event-driven approach works best on YouTube's fast-growing platform. ”

Additionally, LiveNow is averaging more than 5 billion minutes of total viewing time across all streaming platforms each month, reaching an all-time high of 6.6 billion minutes in January.

The viewing surge was driven by live coverage of major breaking news events, including the Los Angeles wildfires; the Washington, D.C.; plane crash, and the presidential inauguration. This past Saturday, LiveNow’s coverage of the funera of Pope Francis exceeded 100 million streaming minutes.

LiveNow From Fox is a national news service with coverage and content supported by local Fox Television Stations and the resources of Fox News.

LiveNow is widely distributed across all major streaming and free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms, including YouTube, YouTubeTV, Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Fox Local, Vizio Watchfree+, LG Channels, Amazon News/FireTV Channels, Freevee, Pluto TV, Xumo, Plex, TCLtv+, FuboTV and Sling Freestream.

Fox Television Stations owned and operates 29 U.S. television stations inluding outlets in 14 of the top 15 DMAs and and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest markets, New York (WNYW-WWOR), Los Angeles (KTTV-KCOP) and Chicago (WFLD-WPWR).

Traditional media companies are seeing the benefits of using artificial intelligence in their newsrooms, but the use of AI needs to be more than just adding technology. Integrating AI needs to come from a whole reimaging of newsgathering.

At the “Broadcasters Survival (or Reinvention) Plan: Local Content, Smart Tech & Bold Innovation” NAB Show panel, Joe Croney of The Washington Post’s Arc XP spoke with Stephanie Slagle, vice president and chief information officer at Graham Media Group, and Michael Newman, Graham’s director of transformation, about how Graham Media integrated Arc XP’s content management system in its television stations to help move from a platform-first approach to newsgathering to a story-first approach.

Over the past decade, television stations have needed three different newsrooms: one for broadcast, one for digital and one for streaming, which required a big staff as well as expertise on specific platforms. That’s just not sustainable in the current economic climate, Slagle said at the Sunday afternoon session, so Graham Media leaders went out in the field with their journalists to see what tools they need to easily turn a broadcast story into a social media post and also a streamed story that can be updated quickly with little effort.

Newman said the stations needed to free up time so journalists could spend more time in the field producing high-quality content rather than waiting in the van or in the newsroom.

Technology from Arc XP helps crumble these roadblocks and allows reporters to own their stories rather than handing them off to an editor or digital specialist to get the story into a usable form. Arc XP’s AI isn’t creating content, but it is improving the process so journalists can create better content that connects with the community.

“If your content can easily be done by AI, then it’s probably not worthy content,” Croney said. “If it doesn’t cost anything to produce it, it probably isn’t worth anything.”

So Graham Media leans on Arc XP’s technology to improve fact-checking, create different versions of stories, transcribe video, run teleprompters and track talent.

Graham Media even created its GMG Spark video, which was sent out internally to its journalists to demonstrate how AI can improve, not eliminate, their work. “People are using this tool, and no one has come back to us and said it hasn’t improved their work,” Newman said. “The team also encourages users to create apps within the system, and a Graham employee in San Antonio made one for SEO optimization.”

Graham Media is also seeing the potential of AI to create hyperpersonalized content that users, especially younger ones, have come to expect. And the company is using it to create hyperpersonalized ads, too. “Currently our advertisers are taking a stab at personalizing ads, but most of it really isn’t personalized,” Newman said.

Slagle encouraged media decision makers to involve journalists when exploring or testing technology and get as much feedback as possible. These leaders need to be honest about what’s working and not working, Slagle said, and to absolutely check back to see if journalists are actually using the tools.

Copyright 2025 NAB

Less than a week after announcing that it would replace local weathercasters at its local TV stations, Allen Media Group decided on Thursday to scrap its plans after viewer outcry.

Last Friday, a number of meterologists with AMG’s 27 stations—mostly in small to midsize markets—began announcing their departures to viewers. On Saturday, in what looks like an attempt to get ahead of the bad press, AMG officially made its announcement of its “groundbreaking format” to use meteorologists from AMG-owned The Weather Channel for its live forecasts, replacing local weather forecasters.

“We are proud to announce that Allen Media Group is leveraging the full resources and expertise of The Weather Channel to make our local weather news the very best,” said Tom O’Brien, President of Weather Group/The Weather Channel. “We are one hundred percent committed to delivering next-level weather news to our local television stations 24/7.”

Viewer feedback was immediate and overwhelmingly negative.

“Remember when #SinclairBroadcastGroup tried ‘NewsCentral’ and what a complete out of touch sh*tshow that was?”, user “cantnot” posted on X earlier this week. “That’s exactly what will happen here with #AllenMediaGroup removing all local meteorologists. We need owners that want to run tv stations, not bean counters.”

“Laying off Weather People in tornado prone areas is very dangerous,” posted LeeWatson_357. “People based in Atlanta don’t know the local areas in markets like Tupelo, Mississippi.”

AMG gave its stations a canned statement on Thursday, announcing its plans to rescind the move.

KEZI, the ABC affiliate in Eugene, Oregon, issued this statement: “After receiving significant feedback across various markets, Allen Media has decided to pause and reconsider the strategy of providing local weather from the Weather Channel in Atlanta, and KEZI will continue to provide market-leading coverage from your StormTracker 9 Meteorologists.”

The same statement was also posted by ABC affiliate KDRV Medford, Oregon.

Craig Ford, news anchor for ABC affiliate WTVA in Tupelo, Mississippi, said, “We cannot speak to what the future holds months or years down the road, as we certainly could not have predicted how the past few days have unfolded, but what we can say is that your severe weather coverage is here to stay … coming from our studio, coming from our team … and for that, we thank you.

“Your calls, emails, texts … every word spoken in support of our team was heard, and without your outpouring of messages that rang so loud, this change may not have been possible.”

Mike Wright, vice president and general manager of WAAY-TV Huntsville, Alabama, agreed, saying viewer feedback made all the difference.

"While The Weather Channel is consistently voted one of the most trusted weather brands in the country, this decision was about keeping local meteorologists who have a deeper understanding of the unique weather patterns and challenges of our region,” Wright said. “We understand our viewers rely on timely, in-depth coverage of our communities, especially during severe weather events. Our commitment to providing that expertise remains steadfast.

“The overwhelming feedback from our viewers—through calls and emails—has been instrumental in guiding this decision,” Wright continued. "We appreciate the loyalty and trust of our audience, and remain committed to delivering the high-quality, localized coverage they expect."

The change elicited cheers from viewers online, with Brad Mitchell (aka @BallCoach2009), posting: “Heck yeah!!! I can respect @AllenMGroup for admitting their mistake and making it right, but mainly for listening to their viewers!”

Zeam Media reported that its hyperlocal streaming service has increased its daily viewership by 168% since its launch in February, when it powered Paramount+’s live-streaming of the Super Bowl to a record-breaking 4.4 million viewers.

Zeam Media’s advertising solution, Adsync, delivered over 5 billion advertising opportunities, the company said.

“As the media landscape evolves, broadcasters are seeking out more sophisticated solutions to better serve and reach their intended audiences,” Zeam Media CEO Jack Perry said. “We are well known in the business for our strong capabilities to support livestreaming, our technology that enables seamless ad insertion in streaming, and our dedication to supporting the local broadcaster and content creator. That is why media companies, both national and local, continue to want to collaborate with us for their various needs.”

With a focus on hyperlocal content and news, Zeam also said it has partnered with more than 300 local broadcasters this year, as well as other content creators, to bring stories from towns across the country to viewers everywhere.

Since its launch, Zeam has featured 315 live events including sports and community broadcasts. The service saw some of its biggest success tied to major local news moments. Among the service’s breakout successes were the Swing State Election Hub, which ranked as one of the top content destinations on the platform this year, and a 24/7 weather hub that brought hyperlocal coverage of major weather events like Hurricane Helene to viewers in real time.

With the launch, Zeam also pioneered new ways to support content creation. Specifically, the team built the first ever 24/7 livestream mobile channel combined with a mobile production studio in the form of a Zeam-branded van called Zeam360. Since earlier this year, Zeam360 has crisscrossed the country, capturing local stories in small towns and big cities. Zeam also opened two additional stationary livestreaming studios in New York’s iconic Times Square and in Marion, Iowa.

Other data highlights for the Zeam streaming service include:

• The five most-watched news stations on Zeam this year included two stations based in swing states and two Chinese-language outlets. They were KTSF San Francisco (a Chinese Language station); WFMZ Allentown, Pennsylvania; WWTV Cadillac, Michigan; WHDH Boston; and SINO (a San Francisco-based Chinese-language multicast channel).
• The top 10 DMAs logging into Zeam for local news content include San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose; Philadelphia; Traverse City-Cadillac, Michgan; Boston; Lansing, Michigan; Miami-Ft. Lauderdale; Phoenix; Lexington, Kentucky; Birmingham, Alabama, Charleston-Huntington, West Virginia; and Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida.
• The top four news stations garnering views outside their DMAs were KTSF, WFMZ, WILX Lansing and WWTV.

BOULDER, Colo.—Public Media Co. has launched an initiative funded by a $1.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to help local public media organizations better understand and meet their communities’ information needs.

“We are pleased to support Public Media Company’s local news initiative,” said Marc Lavallee, director of technology product and strategy/journalism at the foundation. “The initiative will enable local leaders to bolster the local news that is so essential to their communities.”

The initiative is intended to support the growth of newsrooms and expand local coverage at public media groups throughout the country. Public Media Co. is working with several partners on the project to provide insights and support to assist local outlets in expanding news coverage and better connect with their communities, it said.

The grant is aimed at helping local public and independent media outlets, supporters and funders make informed decisions and to access assistance to strengthen local news ecosystems, it said.

“Public media is an important solution to the crisis in local news,” Public Media Co. CEO Tim Isgitt said. “Local public media organizations have earned the trust of their communities over decades and collectively reach 99% of the country. This initiative comes at a critical moment for ensuring communities continue to have access to essential local news and information.”

Public Media Co. managing director Stephen Holmes will lead the project with assistance from research, industry and funding partners. Findings will be made public, it said.

More information is available on the Public Media Co. website.

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Twin Cities PBS (TPT) said it will premiere “Broadcast Wars,” an original documentary about local broadcast news in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The program will be available on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. as a two-hour film on TPT 2 and as a three-part streaming limited series available on the PBS App.

Part of TPT’s “Minnesota Experience” history programming, “Broadcast Wars” delves into the golden era of Minnesota broadcast news, when high-priced anchors, groundbreaking technology and larger-than-life personalities ruled the airwaves.

With millions of dollars in ad revenue at stake, stations like KSTP, WCCO, KMSP and KARE competed for supremacy in their quest to break the news and capture viewers along the way, TPT said. Anchors became local celebrities, and behind the scenes, newsrooms were transformed by innovation, diversity and competition.

The documentary features archival footage, interviews with veteran broadcasters and insights into how this media era shaped the local news industry in profound ways. From the rise of women broadcasters and reporters of color to the intense competition that redefined television journalism, “Broadcast Wars” is intended to offer a revealing look into the changing landscape of broadcast news from the 1960s to the 1980s, TPT said.

“The Twin Cities were at the center of a media revolution, and the battles for ratings weren't just about who had the best newscast—they were about how we told the stories of our community,” co-executive producer Cathy Wurzer said. “The innovations of that time set the stage for the way we consume news today, and I'm excited for audiences to see the impact these legendary figures had on both television and our civic life.”

The program features interviews with key players of the time, including anchors and reporters such as Marcia Fluer, Don Shelby, Lou Harvin, and Ron and Paul Magers, among others. Wurzer's conversations with her peers and predecessors reveal the highs and lows, including the mental health toll caused by the stress-filled ratings battles, TPT said.

In addition, the film highlights the industry’s critical shift toward inclusivity, featuring voices that had been historically underrepresented in newsrooms. As Wurzer noted: “It’s impossible to understand the Twin Cities broadcast story without acknowledging the barriers broken by women and reporters of color. Their stories are at the heart of this documentary.”

Visitors to the CBS News and Stations-owned KPIX-KPYX San Francisco will find a bustling local news operation producing 60 hours of local news each week that has recently abandoned a longtime centerpiece of traditional local news production—the TV news set.

Those sets disappeared in September, about a year after the stations deployed an innovative augmented reality/virtual reality platform for its news operations. The new AR/VR system had been so successful, first with weather and then all their coverage, that “One day, we asked ourselves why we needed hard sets?” CBS Bay Area President and General Manager Scott Warren recalled. “So, we just walked in and started busting them out. Now it is all AR/VR. We have no hard sets. There's no desk, there's no monitors. And every single show was like that.”

“I believe we are the first station to do that,” he added.

And, as this YouTube sizzle reel shows, the technology has been applied to a wide range of subjects, from immersing viewers in San Francisco's famous fog, to sports, politics, entertainment and election coverage.

The decision to go all in on AR/VR technologies was part of a wider effort by the station group to reinvent the way local news stories are presented and distributed to audiences that has led to the creation of a new hyperlocal news operation in Detroit, a Local News Innovation Lab in Texas, a dramatic expansion of the local news offered by CBS-owned stations and other initiatives.

“We all know we're in a challenging place right now in our industry,” explained Jennifer Mitchell, president of Stations and Digital for CBS News and Stations, who oversees 23 of 27 CBS-owned stations and the division’s local and national digital properties like CBS 24/7. “It‘s not just us, it's everybody. There's so much rapid change from an audience perspective. We have to change. The audience and the industry is changing.”

To encourage more innovation, the group also brought in new local leaders like CBS Bay Area president and GM Scott Warren.

“The San Francisco market is the perfect market to take risks, to experiment, to incubate big ideas and test and either fail or succeed and scale,” Mitchell said.

In San Francisco, much of the focus on finding new ways to operate has been driven by the need to improve storytelling and engage audiences.

“Everything starts with a really great story,” Warren said. “But how do you present those stories? And that's why we embraced AR and VR to enhance that storytelling, to provide context for that storytelling.”

Weather First
As they began developing the system in January 2023, CBS Stations executives felt that the logical first application for AR and VR should be weather, which was ripe for innovation. “We [broadcasters] have been looking at weather the same way for 50 years,” Warren said. “We have different people in front of the maps and the maps have gotten better, but we’ve been basically covering weather the same way for 50 years.

“Weather is that perfect opportunity to change the way we tell stories, because it is so immersive,” he continued. “You stand in it. You feel it. You can see it when you look up at the clouds, at mountain ranges. All of these impact the way weather affects each and every one of us. So we started thinking about how we could take weather and weather data and explain it in a whole new way.”

CBS stations are now taking real-time weather data from National Weather Service and other weather information suppliers and “translating that data, the ones and zeros, into weather graphics that our presenters can walk interact with and use to explain things in different ways,” Warren said.

This proved so successful the station then applied it to sports coverage, politics, elections and other topics.

“We quickly went to immersive newscasts as well,” he said. “So entire newscasts are now in AR and VR.”

In the development process of the system, the stations worked with Myreze, a branding and virtual production company. It also decided to adopt Zero Density’s virtual solution, rendering from the Unreal Engine and camera tracking from Stype.

Jeff Jeandheur, director of broadcast operations and engineering, and a team of tech and operations staff that included Eliot Curtis, director of technology innovation, and Chad Simpson, studio operations and integration manager, also played a central role.

This team melded and adapted the VR/AR technologies into a system that could be operated for hours each day on the relatively small budget of a local broadcast station.

“In the past, if you look at the NFL, or you look at Fox or places that have used this technology in the past, they've had to have giant teams and giant budgets come in to do this,” Warren said. “We have figured out, through the coding work and our staff and through our partners, a way to do this on the local level so that all of this data can come in in real time to change the look and feel in the story that's happening. For the first time, a local newsroom can use this technology without a huge team of people working on it.”

The Secret Sauce
The importance of in-house talent in the effort is a reminder of the deep reservoirs of talent and innovation that have been an important part of broadcasting. “Our partners have been great,” Warren said. “But the real secret sauce is what our internal staff has done, how they’ve taken all of the different partnerships and sewn them together with original coding and put it into a newscast that can be created in an automated control room.

“Jeff Jeandheur is kind of a mastermind at looking into the future and trying to figure out things,” Warren added. “And he has brought in a team of people that are all MacGyvers. They live and thrive on solving problems.”

That internal talent also played a key role in expanding deployments to other stations in the group.

“We were literally walking down a new path and there were fears this new technology wasn't going to be reliable and we won't be able to know how to use it,” Warren recalled. “But the more we worked with it, the easier it became, and the better we got at being able to turn things around quickly and teach others in-house how to use this. So once we got it down, which took us about a year, we got to the point where we can go into another station now, and in six to eight weeks have the entire thing built up and ready to go.”

These deployments also relied heavily on the internal talent at other CBS stations, where tech teams quickly embraced the idea and began to develop their own innovations, Mitchell said. “Their energy is infectious,” she said. “It energizes our other stations, our other operations. They are looking at what has been done in San Francisco. They want to bring it to their market.”

“All of those teams are taking the same sort of hungry and passionate approach to innovation,” Warren added. “They’re coming up with new things and new ways to do stuff and showing them to us. And that’s where this really scales. We’re all benefiting from each other.”

The system has been deployed at CBS-owned stations in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and, most recently, Denver, with plans to deploy it at more stations.

In June it also went live on streaming news service CBS News 24/7 Mitchell explains that it was first used in a two-hour whiparound show called “CBS 24/7” that features breaking news from all of the company’s national, local and international news outlets and operations.

“The flagship show for CBS News 24/7 of the same name is now 100% virtual,” Mitchell said. “When you look at that wall of monitors on that show, that is all in the green space.”

Such technologies will also take center stage during the upcoming Election Night coverage. “We have infused AR VR and the virtual studios and content into almost every aspect of our newscast where we can and in markets” where it has been deployed, Mitchell said. “So, of course, on election night, you will be seeing those capabilities on display. It will look and feel different than Presidential election years in the past.”

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.—LG Electronics USA has launched a dedicated section for news called “News Hub” on LG Channels that provides weather reports, and local and national news broadcasts from national news organizations and local stations.

The offering includes ABC News Live, CNN Headlines, LiveNOW from Fox, NBC News Now, Scripps News and local news from stations owned by Allen Media Group's Local Now, E.W. Scripps, Fox Television Stations, Sinclair and others.

Starting in key market areas, including Austin, Texas; Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Cincinnati; Las Vegas; Baltimore; Seattle and many more, LG Channels said it will continually expand its delivery of regional news channels to U.S. consumers.

LG Channels is LG's free streaming service, offering a wide selection of premium live and on-demand programming. LG Channels is available on LG Smart TVs (models 2016-present) through the set maker’s webOS and can easily be accessed by pressing the dedicated key on the LG Magic Remote or via the home screen.

The full list of LG Channels local stations includes:

• Allen Media Group's Local Now: Local Now Chicago; Local Now L.A.; Local Now San Francisco; Local Now Phoenix; Local Now Philly; Local Now Houston; Local Now Detroit; Local Now D.C.; Local Now Orlando; Local Now Charlotte; Local Now Tampa; Local Now Minneapolis; Local Now Seattle; Local Now Boston; Local Now Raleigh; Local Now Indy; Local Now Cleveland; Local Now Austin; Local Now Dallas; Local Now Portland; Local Now Columbus; Local Now Denver; Local Now Hartford; Local Now San Antonio; Local Now West Palm Beach; Local Now Long Island; Local Now Chattanooga; Local Now Tulsa; Local Now Tucson; Local Now Wichita; Local Now Manhattan; Local Now Buffalo; Local Now Boise; Local Now Des Moines; Local Now Omaha; Local Now Savannah; Local Now Tallahassee; Local Now San Jose; Local Now El Paso; Local Now Wilmington; Local Now Macon; Local Now Florence; Local Now Shreveport; Local Now Paducah; Local Now Augusta; Local Now Davenport; Local Now Midland; Local Now Tyler; Local Now Beckley; Local Now Abilene; Local Now Sherman; Local Now Billings, Montana; Local Now Monterey; Local Now Roswell New Mexico; Local Now Marquette; Local Now Columbus, Georgia; Local Now Rochester MN; Local Now Charleston, South Carolina; Local Now Albany, Georgia; Local Now Springfield IL; Local Now Yakima; Local Now Johnstown; Local Now Cheyenne; Local Now Watertown; Local Now Nashville; Local Now Vegas; Local Now Sacramento; Local Now Greenville; Local Now Baltimore; Local Now KC; Local Now Jacksonville; Local Now SLC; Local Now San Diego; Local Now Norfolk; Local Now Milwaukee; Local Now Cincinnati; Local Now Pittsburgh; Local Now Greensboro; Local Now OKC; Local Now Louisville; Local Now Birmingham; Local Now Memphis; Local Now Knoxville; Local Now Newburgh; Local Now Mobile; Local Now Hagerstown; Local Now Wilkes-Barre; Local Now Little Rock; Local Now Harrisburg; Local Now Fort Myers; Local Now Grand Rapids; Local Now Albuquerque; Local Now Columbia; Local Now Huntsville; Local Now Richmond; Local Now Dayton; Local Now Lexington; Local Now Albany NY; Local Now Providence; Local Now New Orleans; Local Now Spokane; Local Now Roanoke; Local Now Fresno; Local Now Colorado Springs; Local Now Green Bay; Local Now Waco; Local Now Toledo; Local Now Bristol; Local Now Fort Smith; Local Now Marietta; Local Now South Bend; Local Now Springfield, Missouri; Local Now Fort Wayne; Local Now Flint; Local Now Baton Rouge; Local Now Panama City; Local Now Madison; Local Now Jackson, Mississippi; Local Now Syracuse; Local Now Evansville; Local Now Youngstown; Local Now Peoria; Local Now Burlington; Local Now Eugene; Local Now Cedar Rapids; Local Now Gainesville; Local Now Lafayette, Louisiana; Local Now Biloxi; Local Now Sioux Falls; Local Now Lansing; Local Now Plano; Local Now Brownsville; Local Now Binghamton; Local Now Montgomery; Local Now Reno; Local Now Duluth; Local Now Fargo; Local Now Lincoln; Local Now Corpus Christi; Local Now Downtown Denver; Local Now Tupelo; Local Now Flagstaff; Local Now Charlottesville; Local Now La Crosse; Local Now White Plains; Local Now Traverse City; Local Now Bergen County; Local Now Topeka; Local Now Salisbury; Local Now Bakersfield; Local Now Erie; Local Now Rockford; Local Now Wichita Falls; Local Now Dothan; Local Now DeSoto; Local Now Amarillo; Local Now Honolulu; Local Now Terre Haute; Local Now Wausau; Local Now Beaumont; Local Now Bangor; Local Now Santa Barbara; Local Now Anchorage; Local Now Medford; Local Now Aurora; Local Now Lubbock; Local Now Bismarck; Local Now Utica; Local Now Grand Junction; Local Now Clarksburg; Local Now Monroe; Local Now Joplin; Local Now Sioux City; Local Now Missoula; Local Now Bowling Green; Local Now Parkersburg; Local Now Idaho Falls; Local Now Redding; Local Now Jonesboro; Local Now Irving; Local Now Rapid City; Local Now Washington Park; Local Now Hattiesburg; Local Now Midtown; Local Now Casper; Local Now Stapleton; Local Now Quincy; Local Now Lake Charles; Local Now Yuma; Local Now Bend; Local Now Victoria; Local Now Butte; Local Now Mankato; Local Now Alexandria; Local Now Great Falls; Local Now Meridian; Local Now Twin Falls; Local Now San Angelo; Local Now Alpena; Local Now Ottumwa; Local Now Decatur; Local Now Laredo; Local Now Eureka; Local Now Fairbanks; Local Now Juneau; Local Now Glendive; Local Now; Local Now Greenville, North Carolina; Local Now Columbia, Missouri; Local Now Springfield, Massachusetts; Local Now St. Louis; Local Now Portland, Maine; Local Now Atlanta; Local Now Miami; Local Now Charleston; Local Now Rochester, New York; Local Now Roswell; Local Now Lafayette; Local Now Helena; Local Now North Platte; Local Now New York; and Local Now Jackson.
• Optimum: News 12 New York
• E.W. Scripps: KATC Acadiana, Louisiana; KBZK Bozeman, Montana; 23ABC News Kern County, California; ABC 10 News San Diego, California; KGUN Tucson, Arizona; Idaho News 6; 2 News Oklahoma; Denver 7; 3 News Now Omaha, Nebraska; ABC 15 Arizona; KOAA Colorado Springs, Colorado; KPAX Missoula, Montana; KRIS Corpus Christi, Texas; KRTV Great Falls, Montana; KSBY News Central Coast California; KSHB Kansas City Missouri; Fox 13 News Salt Lake City Utah; 13 Action News Las Vegas; KTVH, Helena Montana; Q2 News Billings, Montana; 25 News Waco, Texas; WCPO Cincinnati; WEWS Cleveland; ABC Action News Tampa, Florida; Fox 4 News Fort Myers, Florida; NBC 26 News Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin; WKBW Buffalo, New York; LEX 18 News Lexington, Kentucky; WMAR Baltimore; WPTV West Palm Beach, Florida; WRTV Indianapolis; FOX 47 News Lansing-Jackson, Michigan; WTKR Norfolk, Virginia; WTMJ Milwaukee; News Channel 5 Nashville, Tennessee; CBS 6 News Richmond, Virginia; ABC 27 News Tallahassee, Florida; Fox 17 News Grand Rapids, Michigan; WXYZ Detroit.
• Fox Television Stations: Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Fox 5 Washington, Fox 35 Orlando, Fox 5 New York, Fox 6 Milwaukee, Fox 32 Chicago, Fox 5 Atlanta, Fox 11 Los Angeles, Fox 7 Austin, Fox 26 Houston, Fox 4 Dallas/Ft. Worth, Fox 13 Seattle, Fox 29 Philadelphia, Fox 2 KTVU (Bay Area), Fox 10 Phoenix, Fox 2 Detroit and Fox 9 Minneapolis.
• Sinclair Broadcast Group: KEYE Austin, Texas; KATU Portland, Oregon; WJLA Washington; WBFF Baltimore; WKRC Cincinnati; WSYX Columbus, Ohio; KOMO Seattle; KUTV Salt Lake City, Utah; KOKH Oklahoma City; WPEC, West Palm Beach, Florida; WOAI San Antonio; WWMT Grand Rapids, Michigan; WHP Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; WJAR Providence, Rhode Island; WLOS Asheville, North Carolina; KSNV Las Vegas; WPDE Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; KMPH Fresno, California; WLUK Green Bay, Wisconsin; WKEF Dayton, Ohio; WCIV Charleston, South Carolina; KDBC El Paso, Texas; WJAC Johnstown, Pennsylvania; WTOV Steubenville, Ohio; and WSBT South Bend, Ind.
  
  
  
  

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Spectrum News has expanded its footprint with the launch of Spectrum News South Carolina. The channel features local headlines at the top and bottom of every hour and hyperlocal weather forecasts every 10 minutes on the 1s.

The new channel can be accessed by customers of Charter Communications’ Spectrum TV on channel 1 of its cable systems and via the Spectrum News App for mobile, Xumo Stream Box, Roku and Apple TV.

Spectrum News South Carolina will serve the entire state with a focus on Greenville, Columbia, Florence and Myrtle Beach, Charter said. The linear network features reporting from the network’s journalists in South Carolina and relevant stories from across the country, Spectrum said.

“Having grown up in the Carolinas, I know Spectrum News’ community-focused and impactful storytelling will resonate with South Carolinians,” Caroline Imler, senior news director, Spectrum News, said. “Our goal is to provide residents across the state with the trustworthy, in-depth reporting they deserve. This launch is not just about expanding our reach; it’s about fostering a deeper connection with our viewers and telling the stories that matter most to them.”

Imler will oversee Spectrum News South Carolina, bringing more than 30 years of experience to the role, including six years as a leader at various Spectrum News networks around the country and as news director at WBTW Florence-Myrtle Beach from 2000 to 2002.

In announcing the launch, Charter said that among Spectrum customers, Spectrum News consistently outperforms the major cable and broadcast news networks. Spectrum News networks averaged 2 million daily viewing households in 2023 across its linear and digital platforms spanning California, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin.

Spectrum News South Carolina is also part of an ongoing expansion effort that included the launches of several local linear TV news networks and a national streaming news network, Spectrum News+.

Spectrum News has also introduced a mobile news app with more than 4 million downloads; debuted three digital local news operations; and launched its local connected-TV news app on Xumo Stream Box, Roku and Apple TV.

The hyperlocal streaming service Zeam has announced that the Mental Health Television Network (MHTN) has launched on its platform.

MHTN said it offers a compassionate and stigma-free platform featuring original programming, insightful resources and a nurturing community.

As part of its launch, the network noted that some 169 million Americans—more than half the U.S. population—live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, according to a December 2023 analysis by the Bureau of Health Workforce. MHTN’s launch on Zeam lets it reach a wider national audience while also connecting with those in underserved communities via the 300-plus local broadcasters available on the platform.

“Mental health is as much a global issue as it is a local issue,” MHTN CEO Kieran Clarke said. “We understand that for our network to inspire real change, we need to connect effectively with people in local communities. That is why we decided to build this relationship with Zeam. Zeam has incredible partnerships with local broadcasters and content creators and understands hyperlocal like no one else. We are looking forward to coming onto the platform and collaborating with them in new and exciting ways.”

MHTN bills itself as the first-ever 24/7 streaming brand dedicated exclusively to mental health news, education and resources.

The platform also brings together people seeking mental health information and practitioners and organizations within their local communities that are there to help.

At launch, Zeam viewers can stream content available on the network. There are future plans to tailor content to specific local channels on Zeam, and to create other synergies between Zeam, its local broadcast partners, MHTN and mental health-focused organizations within local communities.

Troy McGuire and Kieran Clarke, two longtime television executives inspired by their own experiences, founded MHTN earlier this year alongside Dr. Daniel Bober, a psychiatrist who served as a mental health policy fellow in the U.S. Senate from 2007 to 2008,and is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Child Study Center. MHTN is available in over 60 countries.

Zeam currently features streams from over 300 local stations and has partnerships with such top local broadcast groups as Gray Media, CBS News & Stations, News Press & Gazette, Morgan Murphy Media and others.

The NAB is attacking a major deal between big tech companies and the state of California that it says “hurts local journalism” and “has succeeded in shelving popular bipartisan state legislation that would have fairly compensated local newsrooms for their valuable journalism.”

The deal will direct around $250 million over five years to local media, according to the Associated Press. But the first-in-the-nation deal has been called disappointing by journalists and media industry experts in that “it mostly benefits the tech giant,” Google, the AP reported.

“Not a single organization representing journalists and news workers agreed to this undemocratic and secretive deal with one of the businesses destroying our industry," The News Guilds unions said.  

Broadcasters and local media organizations have been pushing for legislation that would require tech giants like Google and Facebook to compensate them for their content, arguing that these tech giants have decimated the economics of local news media by siphoning off billions in search and social media ads.  

The NAB noted that a study by BIA estimates that broadcasters lose nearly $2 billion annually due to the use of their content by tech platforms like Google and Meta. Such problems could be further exacerbated in the future with the rise of AI tools that summarize news content, which would further reduce advertising and audiences for companies that produce news. 

In a blog post, Alex Siciliano, senior vice president, communications, NAB said the "last-minute closed door deal between Google and the state of California has succeeded in shelving popular bipartisan state legislation that would have fairly compensated local newsrooms for their valuable journalism. This sets a dangerous precedent that could cripple trusted news outlets, and lets Big Tech off the hook as they continue to siphon advertising dollars away from local broadcast stations and other news publishers while not offering fair compensation for our content.”

“Rather than right this wrong, California’s new deal continues to undercompensate journalists while sidestepping some of the biggest offenders like Meta,” the post noted. “It’s ironic that while this deal offers AI accelerator funds, it ignores the fact that Big Tech-backed AI platforms continue to ingest and profit from local news content without proper compensation or permission.”

The agreement also highlighted the importance of federal legislation on the issue. “The need for federal action is now more urgent than ever,” the blog post stressed. “It is past time for Congress to pass the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA), a bipartisan bill that would give broadcasters and other news publishers the power to come together and negotiate fair terms with Big Tech for how their content is used online.”

“The size of tech platforms like Amazon, Facebook and Google dwarfs local TV and radio stations,” the post said. “These tech giants act as gatekeepers of online content, controlling how consumers access news, and how news publishers are compensated for the use of our content. At the same time, they also siphon away advertising revenue that would otherwise be reinvested into local journalism. The platforms exploit their dominant market position, making it harder for broadcasters to sustain their operations while benefiting from the valuable content created by local stations.”

“The bipartisan JCPA will level the playing field, allowing TV and radio stations to continue their vital work in producing trusted, fact-based journalism,” the NAB concluded. “Local newsrooms need a level playing field to work with Big Tech. Congress needs to pass the JCPA – our democracy depends on it.”

In a bid to attract viewers interested in political news from key swing states in the run-up to the presidential election, the local streaming service Zeam has announced the debut of a new hub, Swing State Election News. 

Swing State Election News will provide viewers from all across the country access to key happenings on the campaign trail in Swing States as captured by broadcast news stations based in those locales. In announcing the launch, Zeam said that Swing State Election News fills a void in the current presidential election coverage by bringing a true local lens to news coverage and by providing longer form features of rallies, keynotes, and other moments in the places where the 2024 election is likely to be decided. 

The hub will feature broadcasts from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvanian and Wisconsin. Swing State Election News will also include coverage of critical down ballot races grabbing national attention in those regions. 

“Zeam’s mission is to connect every broadcaster and content creator to every viewer in a way that makes them feel like they have a window into the news and cultural happenings in the places that are important to them,” Jack Perry, CEO of Zeam Media, said. “In launching Swing State Election News we are making good on that promise to our viewers by providing the opportunity to witness the big moments leading up to the election in the same way those living in key battleground states are seeing them.”

Since launching earlier this year, Zeam, with its moniker “Always Local, Always Free,”  currently features streams from over 300 local stations and has partnerships with such top local broadcast groups as Gray TV, CBS, News Press & Gazette, Morgan Murphy, and others.

With access to content from local stations in every key state, Swing State Election News will deliver non-stop coverage of the states and voters poised to have a major impact on the 2024 election. In addition to event coverage, Swing State Election Newswill help viewers track voter sentiment, campaign engagement and real-time election updates in swing states leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

Participating broadcasters in Zeam’s Swing State Election News channel include:

• Arizona:
• Phoenix KTVK/KPHO (CBS)
• Tucson KOLD (CBS)
• Yuma El Centro KYMA (CBS)
• Georgia:
• Atlanta WANF (CBS)
• Savannah WTOC (CBS)
• Augusta WAGT (NBC) + WRDW (CBS)
• Macon WMGT (NBC)
• Columbus WTVM (ABC)
• Albany WALB (NBC)
• Michigan:
• Detroit WWJ (CBS)
• Lansing WILX (NBC)
• Traverse City WWTV (CBS)
• Alpena WBKB (CBS)
• Flint WNEM (CBS)
• Marquette WLUC (NBC) + WZMQ (CBS) + WBUP (ABC) 
• Nevada:
• Las Vegas KVVU (Fox)
• Reno KOLO (ABC) + KTVN (CBS)
• North Carolina:
• Charlotte WBTV (CBS) + WCCB (CW)
• Raleigh WRAL(NBC)
• Greenville DMA WHNS (Fox) + WITN (NBC)
• Wilmington WECT (NBC) + WWAY (ABC)
• Pennsylvania:
• Pittsburgh KDKA (CBS)
• Philadelphia KYW (CBS) + WFMZ (IND)
• Erie WSEE (CBS)
• Wisconsin:
• Green Bay WBAY (ABC)
• Madison WMTV (NBC) + WISC (CBS)
• La Crosse/ Eau Claire WEAU (NBC) + WKBT (CBS)

SEATTLE—Eight News-Press & Gazette (NPG) stations have joined NewsON, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s free, multiplatform streaming service offering local news content. 

They include:

• KION, Monterey, Calif.
• KESQ, Palm Springs, Calif.
• KEYT, Santa Barbara, Calif.
• KRDO, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• KIFI, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• KMIZ, Columbia, Mo. 
• KTVZ, Bend, Ore. 
• KVIA, El Paso, Texas 

“NPG is pleased to expand the footprint of our local station brands and take advantage of the excellent streaming technology offered by this new partnership with NewsON,” said Michael Fabac, vice president of content and station promotion for NPG. 

NewsON offers live and on-demand local newscasts, FAST channels and news clips from over 23 television broadcast ownership groups, providing viewers instant access to local news content from 286 local TV stations covering 91% of the country’s population.    

“We’re pleased to have NPG stations join our lineup. With more local news content from additional markets across the U.S., we’re aligned in our goal of increasing the reach and impact of local news,” said Ron Stitt, vice president/general manager of NewsON. 

More information is available on the NewsON website.

Zeam Media has announced the launch of a number of new channels including Always Funny TV, from the creators of America’s Funniest Home Video, Tegna's Locked on Sports and True Crime Network channels, and Hubbard Broadcasting’s roster of local stations across Minnesota, New Mexico, and upstate New York. 

These mark only the latest new additions to the platform, following the launch of Fast Lane TV from professional race car driver Ryan Phinny earlier this month.

In announcing the expanded roster, Jack Perry, CEO of Zeam Media, said, “We are continuing to enhance our roster with content that spans genres and interests, but also leans into local themes. Always Funny TV features the hilarious moments captured in home videos from around the country, while the TEGNA channels hone in on local sports and true crime investigations. We are also looking forward to having the fine broadcasts journalists from within Hubbard Broadcasting’s portfolio share their hyperlocal storytelling on a national level.”

A complete rundown of the new content coming to the platform includes:

• Always Funny TV: Always Funny TV is a 24/7 channel from the creators of America’s Funniest Home Videos. Laughs are delivered 24/7 through hilarious comedy home videos that are funny for all ages.
• Tegna Locked on Sports: Sports fans can find out more about what’s happening with their favorite teams in local markets such as Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. Zeam will also carry a national Locked on Sports channel which will highlight sports news and analysis on a national level.
• Tegna True Crime Network: Tegna True Crime Network offers a unique entertainment experience for true crime fans, integrating the 24/7 multicast network with a free, on-demand streaming service and high-quality true crime podcasts from TEGNA’s VAULT Studios.
• Hubbard Broadcasting: Hubbard Broadcasting brings the excellent hyperlocal reporting of broadcast journalists from KAAL-TV (Rochester, MN), WHEC-TV (Rochester, NY), WDIO-TV (Duluth, MN), KOB-TV (Albuquerque, NM), KSTP-TV (Minneapolis, MN), and WNYT-TV (Albany, NY) to viewers national via Zeam’s platform.

Since launching Super Bowl Sunday with a major campaign starring John Stamos,  Zeam has been working to expand its operations. 

The service, which uses the “Always Local, Always Live” moniker" has already attracted close to 300 local broadcasters, including Gray TV, CBS, News Press & Gazette, Morgan Murphy, and others.

The rollout of Zeam was also accompanied by the launch of Zeam 360, a ground-breaking  mobile production studio, offering 24/7 streaming capabilities. As part of the launch, Zeam 360  embarked on a barnstorming tour, stopping at nearly 30 local broadcast stations on route to the Super Bowl to help local broadcast stations learn about the possibilities of OTT while also creating compelling hyperlocal content for viewers. 

In addition, Zeam is building a new studio in Times Square to host local, independent creators and provide a platform for them to reach a broad base of viewers. The studio will also serve as a billboard to promote the power of local to thousands who pass through Times Square daily.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The NAB Television Board of Directors has announced that they have adopted a policy statement reaffirming the association’s commitment to protecting viewers’ access to live, local broadcast stations and the local journalism and information those news operations freely provide.

“NAB is the voice of local broadcast stations that are serving the public in critical ways,” said Joint Board chair Perry Sook, chair of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. “While certain NAB members may have additional media interests, this trade association’s mission is to protect consumer access to the trusted news and content broadcast stations provide to local communities in this age of misinformation and disinformation. Local journalism is the bedrock of our democracy and our advocacy agenda will be guided by this singular purpose. This policy statement reaffirms that mission.”

“NAB is dedicated to helping our local stations thrive and ensuring consumer access to live, local information,” added President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Local broadcasters reach every corner of the U.S. with the most watched entertainment, news and sports, all freely available. In the age of Google, Facebook and TikTok, this association must be focused on fighting for policies to enable the indispensable and trusted programming that broadcasters deliver to their viewers and listeners every day.”

The policy statement reads as follows:

For more than 100 years, NAB has been honored to represent broadcasters before Congress, the administration and the courts. An indispensable part of our nation's democracy and history, broadcasting is woven into the very fabric of local communities across the country. Local stations are dedicated to keeping the public informed; this service is freely accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. We embrace our role of ensuring that our nation's system of live, local broadcasting is an engine for democracy and the finest in the world. 

Recently, the television industry has experienced tectonic shifts and been significantly impacted by a dramatically evolving media landscape. The upheaval brought on by changes in technology has created a fragmented media marketplace. In particular, the emergence of streaming video services, social media, dominant digital platforms and generative AI tools has fundamentally changed the way Americans and people around the globe consume news, information and entertainment. Unfortunately, it has also fueled the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation.

This revolution has led to a host of new and challenging policy debates that will determine the future health of local broadcasting and its ability to innovate to serve our local communities. NAB's focus has always been on protecting viewers’ access to local broadcasting, yet due to the rapidly changing environment we have increasingly been called upon to advocate for the business interests of members beyond this core medium. Conflicts among these competing aims have led us to reaffirm NAB’s central purpose and primary mission: to protect consumers’ access to live and local broadcast stations.

NAB, at its core, is about promoting the nation’s critical system of local broadcasting, which is even more important in today’s hyper-competitive media landscape. If NAB is not leading the fight to advocate for this vital live and local service, no one will. To that end, the NAB Television Board of Directors believes it essential that the association reaffirm its commitment to advocacy on behalf of viewers and local broadcasters by adopting the following policy statement:

“NAB is the voice in Washington, D.C. for America’s local radio and television broadcasters. While some NAB television members have business interests beyond local broadcasting, this association’s central focus will be advocating for policies to protect viewers by ensuring live, local broadcasting is vibrant, competitive and freely available in today’s media landscape. Our advocacy will be guided solely by what is best to serve the public, ensuring local broadcasters’ essential role in American democracy. NAB’s policy positions will be grounded in safeguarding the public’s access to local broadcast stations, including on those issues that may be in tension with other NAB member business interests."

CINCINNATI—The E.W. Scripps Company has added to its leadership team for news by promoting Jeff Kiernan—a veteran journalist and general manager of Scripps’ Las Vegas stations—to the new role of vice president of local news, effective June 10.

Kiernan will oversee Scripps’ local news content strategy alongside Kate O’Brian, Scripps’ president of news. Kiernan has served as the vice president and general manager for KTNV and KMCC, Scripps’ ABC affiliate and independent station in Las Vegas, since 2022.

Kiernan has spent much of his career leading local newsrooms, including Scripps’ WXYZ and WMYD in Detroit and WTMJ in Milwaukee. In these roles, he strategically incorporated Scripps’ content strategy within local newsrooms. He also held news leadership roles with WBBM-TV in Chicago, WBZ-TV in Boston and WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.

“Scripps’ priority is to create the best possible local and national journalism for American audiences,” said O’Brian. “As we continue to evolve our stations’ delivery of local news to serve today’s audiences, Jeff’s years of experience implementing content and editorial strategy in newsrooms across the country make him an ideal leader to help guide our local newsrooms.”

Kiernan received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Marquette named him Communicator of the Year in 2010 and honored him with its James T. Tiedge Award for ethics and responsibility in 1999. He also served as a visiting faculty member for new managers at the Poynter Institute in 2007.

Kiernan’s promotion follows Scripps’ February announcement that the company was moving the responsibilities for local and national news strategy into one organizational structure, led by O’Brian. In this new role, Kiernan will work closely with Dean Littleton, senior vice president of local media to evolve Scripps’ delivery of local news. Kiernan joins Christina Hartman, vice president, head of Scripps News, and Ethan Nelson, vice president, head of Court TV, as part of O’Brian’s news enterprise leadership team under the new structure.

Anita Helt, vice president and regional general manager, will serve as interim general manager for KTNV and KMCC.

OTTAWA—Ross Video has announced the introduction of Raiden, a data-driven weather graphics software that combines data gathering, processing, and visualization tools to transform how broadcasters create weather and climate content with more immersive real-time weather content.

The first release of Raiden brings weather graphics to the XPression toolbox and seamlessly integrates with existing production workflows through an intuitive web-based tool. That allows meteorologists to collaborate with producers and designers to prepare weather and climate content anywhere, the company reported. 

Tailored for the demands of the modern newsroom environment, Raiden facilitates collaboration across departments. 

The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV) was the first adopter of the Raiden system in their newsroom. “Raiden has transformed our approach to weather storytelling by removing the limitations of our old system,” said their head of production, Gisli Berg. “Our news and weather teams now collaborate more effectively to produce higher-quality content. And the ability to access and prepare content from anywhere has made the team’s job easier."  

“Raiden is the latest addition to the innovative lineup of Ross Graphics solutions that already includes our XPression Real-Time Motion Graphics system, our PIERO Sports Analysis toolset and our Voyager Unreal-based Engine with the Lucid Control System,” added Boromy Ung, senior director - product management and business development - graphics at Ross Video. “With Raiden, we strengthen an already robust ecosystem of products designed for the newsroom. It’s another example of our commitment to advancing our solutions to empower customers to create the most captivating content and maintain their competitive edge in the broadcasting industry.”

Raiden’s powerful toolset enables meteorologists and content creators to produce captivating weather narratives. The Ross described the most notable features as follows: 

• Powerful data aggregation: Raiden seamlessly acquires, processes, and visualizes preferred weather data from a wide range of sources for the XPression graphics engine. 
• An intuitive story creation tool: A user-friendly web-based Interface enables users to quickly build or update a weather story and rundown from anywhere for live production 
• Integrated graphics system: An XPression Plugin with DataLinq™ enables broadcasters to design and operate news and weather content from a single graphics engine. 

To learn more about Raiden, visit www.rossvideo.com/raiden. 

NEW YORK—Chptr and Gray Television have announced that they are introducing a new video solution for funeral homes and communities that will allow funeral directors and individuals to create striking, personalized video tributes that can be shared on local TV and on digital sites. 

The program launched on April 24 with WBNG in Binghamton, N.Y., WCAX - Burlington, Vt. KY3 in Springfield, Mo. and WWNY - Watertown, N.Y. 

The new platform will enable families to create lasting tributes and videos of their ones that can then be shared on local TV networks and their digital sites, ensuring that the celebration of one's life continues to resonate within the community, the companies said. 

Packages range from $99 to $849, based on length of the video, with a third "Made for TV" premium offer that also includes a :30 second video feature that will air on the local TV stations.

"We are thrilled to bring to market a best-in-class video product that finally does justice to the stories of those we have lost," said Glen Hale, vice president of digital content and audience development at Gray TV. "This partnership with Chptr is a game-changer, delivering premium memorial content worthy of airing on our stations."

The two companies said that this collaboration ushers in a new era of remembrance with digital memorials offering photos, videos, stories and memories provided by loved ones. Unlike traditional obituaries where only direct family members can contribute, these memorializations allow anyone who was touched by the deceased, to add reflection and insight on a life well-lived, far surpassing the static obituaries of the past.

"By harnessing the power of video, social connectivity, and cutting-edge AI technologies, we're transcending the limitation of traditional obituaries," said Rehan Choudhry, CEO and founder of Chptr, which is a mobile-first memorialization and celebrations platform that aims to gather, share, and hold memories of lives well lived for generations to come. "With Chptr and Gray at the forefront, we're not only revolutionizing an older tradition that hasn't been updated in generations; we're empowering communities to find solace, strength and unity in the digital age."

NOVI, Mich.—During the 2024 NAB Show, ENCO will be showcasing an AI-driven virtual anchor delivering live news from a realistic 3D virtual news set. 

This innovative presentation will be produced live from a virtual production studio powered by Qimera AR/VR/MR systems in combination with generative AI technologies, ENCO reported. 

Attendees will be able to step inside this virtual production universe at ENCO’s booth (W1743) in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, taking place from April 14-17, 2024. 

“The convergence of AI with news production technology represents a significant step forward in that it introduces an automated way to create compelling, localized content in real-time,” said ENCO president Ken Frommert. “We fully expect this impressive technology to make a big impact in 2024 because it offers a broad, robust feature set with a simplified, intuitive user experience unseen in the marketplace.”

ENCO first unveiled their partnership with Qimera at NAB last year, where they debuted a complete virtual production in their booth. The AI virtual anchor is an exciting new innovation for this year’s exhibit, leveraging AI models to generate virtual human anchors that speak with human-sounding voices. These are generated by ENCO new SPECai generative AI text and voice creation application. 

More specifically, the Qimera virtual production workflow acquires and summarizes a news story, delivered as synthetic speech through the virtual anchor.

The Qimera virtual production environment accelerates the learning curve by removing all the complexity from the process. The underlying Qimera technology generates realistic, real-time graphical sets by harnessing its integrated Unreal Engine, NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, and 3D asset library. Other integrated features include virtual cameras, tracked/trackless camera systems, a 4-input switcher and DMX lighting controls.

As Qimera’s exclusive North American distributor, ENCO sells and markets Qimera’s virtual production technology and integrates it with ENCO’s automation, studio production and captioning product lines. This NAB virtual production studio experience is designed to call attention to the extensive products offered by ENCO and its partners. 

“Our 2024 NAB Show exhibit is a strong example of how ENCO blends the physical and digital worlds with AI to ignite groundbreaking creative possibilities,” Frommert added. “We are just getting started.”

WASHINGTON D.C.—WJLA, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s flagship TV station in the nation’s capital, has revamped its Studio A news studio with lighting solutions from Brightline.

The project is the latest in a line of more than 100 such renovations at various Sinclair stations around the country involving the broadcaster and the company, Brightline said.

“Everything we learn from previous stations carries into the next,” said Sam Cercone, managing partner at Brightline. “It’s a very fluid way of working, with each station redesign further fine-tuning [the] approach. I’ve learned and enjoyed so much working with my colleagues at Sinclair. The latest evidence is our work at WJLA, of which we’re extremely proud.”

The WJLA studio redesign was sweeping. The station deployed a full Brightline fixture package. The news set is the new home for “7News,” “Good Morning Washington” and “Fed Government Today.”

In addition to the new Brightline lighting system, LED monitors weave in and around key areas of the set. The news desk has a digital screen displaying the 7News logo, while two pillars on each side of the desk serve as video walls with a curved panel behind the anchors. The setup also relies on XYZ axis pedestals and robotic cameras, Brightline said.

Sinclair handled everything from concept through installation, including the scenic design, resulting in a control and efficient consistency that contributed to the project’s success, Brightline said.

More information is available on the company’s website.

Sinclair has posted a time-lapse video of the renovation on YouTube.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has launched its 2024 Election Toolkit, an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, to launch get-out-the-vote efforts and to cover local, state and federal elections.

“Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.”

The 2024 Election Toolkit is designed to provide assets help broadcasters serve their communities in the lead-up to Election Day on November 5. The toolkit includes information on identifying false statements online, examples of broadcasters’ work combating misinformation, voter registration resources and guides for finding local polling places.

Broadcast-ready public service announcements encouraging voter participation, produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters’ Vote411.org, are also available in both English and Spanish in the toolkit.

NAB is also encouraging broadcasters to share examples of fact-checking projects, civic news coverage and voter education public service efforts by emailing  WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org.

ATLANTA, Ga.—Gray Television has announced that it will launch the InvestigateTV+ en Español program on February 26, 2024, in 26 of Gray’s Telemundo markets. 

The program from Gray’s investigative team, which currently airs in English in 113 of Gray’s markets, will now reach an extended audience through its newly formatted show in Spanish and air Monday through Friday in early news windows across the country, Gray reported. 

“An essential part of Gray’s mission is investigative journalism, and it is our goal for everyone to see it. Whether a viewer speaks Spanish or English, we want to give viewers the opportunity to see, learn, and react from these stories,” said Lee Zurik, vice president of investigations.

InvestigateTV+ en Español is hosted by Luis Carlos Mendoza, an award-winning, long-time news anchor of Noticiero Telemundo 20 in Odessa-Midland, Texas. “Luis Carlos Mendoza brings an unsurpassable level of professionalism and heart for the community and is the perfect host for this news magazine,” said Susan Sim Oh, vice president of strategy and operations for the Telemundo Station Group.

Gray’s newsmagazine program InvestigateTV started in 2018 as a weekend series and in 2022 expanded to a daily weekday show titled InvestigateTV+. Gray’s national investigative unit draws upon a dedicated team of investigative journalists as well as scores of journalists working in Gray’s local markets with its leading local news stations. The unit has received countless awards, including most recently a prestigious duPont-Columbia Award in January 2024.

“Premium in-depth investigations and reports are essential yet are not widely available for the Hispanic community in the US. For Gray to be able to make this content in Spanish is both important and needed,” said Juan Toro, Executive Producer of InvestigateTV+ en Español.

In addition to the weekday InvestigateTV+ en Español series, Gray Telemundo stations will also air the weekend series of InvestigateTV en Español starting March 2.

RALEIGH, N.C.—WRAL-TV today named Mike Friedrich, a 20-year television news veteran, as its new news director, effective in May.

He will be responsible for leading WRAL News content teams across all platforms, including WRAL-TV, Fox 50, WRAL News+ (WNGT) and wral.com as well as news content on all streaming platforms and FAST channels, WRAL owner Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC) said.

Currently, Friedrich leads the news team at KUTV, the Sinclair-owned CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City. While at KUTV, he led the station’s news to ratings improvements—No. 1 in both the morning and late news time slots and tighten the station’s standing with a legacy competitor at 6 p.m. it said.

The station saw the greatest share growth in the Salt Lake City market during his tenure. Friedrich also spearheaded growth on KUTV digital and social platforms, including a 143% subscriber increase on KUTV’s YouTube page, it said.

"I am honored to join one of the nation's most respected news teams, serving Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and the surrounding communities across North Carolina," said Friedrich. "I consider WRAL to be on the Mount Rushmore of content centers. Their commitment to covering stories important to the Triangle and its dedication to showcasing what makes North Carolina unique and special is unmatched in the nation."

Friedrich will take over from 19-year news veteran Rick Gail, who announced he was retiring earlier this year. 

He previously held management roles in Washington, D.C., Houston and Baltimore. He also served as a Public Affairs Specialist and team lead at the U.S. Census Bureau’s Public Information Office.

“We are thrilled with the addition of Mike to the WRAL family. As a proven leader in local news, we know his guidance and leadership will be a great fit in maintaining and growing the diversified WRAL News products,” said WRAL and Fox 50 vice president and general manager Joel Davis.

More information is available on the station’s website. 

NEW YORK—Total Traffic & Weather Network (TTWN) and MyRadar have announced a multi-year partnership to deliver a comprehensive traffic and weather television graphics solution throughout the U.S.

As part of the partnership, TTWN will enhance its T3 Graphics Solution by layering MyRadar’s weather data as a standard offering with its award-winning, real-time traffic incident and flow data, featuring street-level data, integrated video, dynamic full-screen options and 3D modeling, the companies reported. 

This integration offers television broadcasters a unique and comprehensive tool for delivering traffic and weather information, providing superior commuter-focused traveler information for the safest and most efficient routes. Trusted by 2000+ radio and 200+ television affiliates, TTWN supports 135 markets in the U.S. and Canada, covering 1M+ miles of roadway. With more than 15 million active MyRadar users across iOS, Android, and Windows, this partnership brings the weather information millions already rely on to an even larger audience.

“We are excited to partner with MyRadar to provide the television marketplace with a best-in-class traffic graphics solution.  Layering MyRadar’s weather radar with TTWN’s award-winning traffic incident and flow data makes it easier for viewers to understand how the weather will impact them as they embark on their daily journeys,” said Kevin Loftus, senior vice president, operations for TTWN.

“MyRadar is known for effectively communicating weather intelligence through our unique and innovative data visualizations, including radar, wind, and temperature data," said Andy Green, MyRadar CEO. "Our partnership with TTWN demonstrates our capabilities beyond the app, and is part of our newest initiative to help businesses create value through our Powered by MyRadar weather APIs and developer tools. We are grateful to TTWN for showcasing these capabilities to television audiences across the U.S. and Canada."

ATLANTA—Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced two senior executive promotions by elevating Misti Turnbull to vice president of news, and naming Jordan Cipala vice president of strategy and operations.

Turnbull is one of CMG-TV’s most experienced leaders. She was part of the WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News team for 20 years, rising through the ranks to news director. Most recently, she served as CMG’s executive director of news with a focus on broadcast, digital content, and streaming content. Turnbull has worked in newsrooms in Norfolk, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Atlanta.

Over her nearly 30-year career, Turnbull has earned multiple Emmy awards and was awarded the first Southeast Regional Emmy for Outstanding Producer. She and her teams have also received multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including Overall Excellence and the coveted National Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

“Misti understands CMG’s pursuit of journalism excellence. Her knowledge of multi-platform content strategies and audience insights makes us better every day,” said Marian Pittman, executive vice president of  content, product, innovation and research. “She exemplifies the power of dedication and what it takes to be the best.”

Turnbull earned her bachelor’s degree in media performance from Florida State University. She and her husband, Robert, have been married for 28 years and have a son, Jackson, and daughter, Hannah.

In his new role as vice president of strategy and operations, Jordan Cipala will be responsible for evaluating business development opportunities, bolstering CMG’s market-intelligence capabilities, managing M&A and integration efforts, and supporting more streamlined collaboration and execution across CMG’s business units. He’ll continue as the executive sponsor of CMG’s Young Professionals Network Business Resource Group.

Prior to joining CMG, Cipala worked in PE-backed operations, principal investing and investment banking. He’s led strategic planning, evaluated and executed key investments across a variety of sectors, helped close M&A transactions and more.

“Jordan has been an indispensable member of the CMG team in leading our annual strategic planning process, supporting our Board interactions, and operationalizing our M&A efforts,” said Dan York, CMG’s president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to promote from within and reward his invaluable expertise and dedication to CMG’s future and continued evolution.”

Cipala graduated from Vanderbilt University with a double major in Economics and Engineering Science. He’s an Eagle scout, avid tennis player and fitness enthusiast, and enjoys spending time on his family’s farm outside of Nashville.

MIAMI—Veteran South Florida news executive and producer Miguel Fernandez has been named vice president and news director at CBS News and Stations’ local businesses in Miami, including WFOR-TV (CBS 4), WBFS-TV (Ind., Channel 33), the CBS News Miami streaming channel and CBSNewsMiami.com.

Fernandez will assume the new role on Tuesday, Oct. 24, Kim Voet, president and general manager of CBS Miami said. 

Born in Miami and raised in nearby Hialeah, Fla., Fernandez has spent his entire 29-year career in South Florida. He has served as the assistant news director at WLTV-DT, the Univision flagship station in Miami, since January 2019. Prior to that, he spent 22 years with CBS Miami; first as a producer, and then as an executive producer.

During his time at WFOR, Fernandez and his colleagues won six regional Edward R. Murrow Awards as well as a regional Emmy. He also received a regional Emmy while at WLTV.

“Since joining CBS Miami two months ago, one of my top priorities has been recruiting a news director who, ideally, possesses a deep understanding of South Florida, has a passion for addressing the issues of greatest importance to everyone across our communities, and is someone who will earn the respect of his or her colleagues,” Voet said. “I am thoroughly impressed by Miguel’s experience in this market and look forward to welcoming him back to CBS Miami as the leader of our news department.”

Adrienne Roark, president of content development and integration at CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, added: “As someone who has had the pleasure of knowing Miguel for many years, working with him during my time as the news director at WFOR (2007-2010) and watching with pride as he has gained leadership experience in recent years, I am looking forward to his return to CBS Miami. His lifelong experience in the market will be a considerable asset as we continue our mission to be of service to our viewers in South Florida.”

Fernandez began his news career as a writer at WSVN-TV in Miami in 1995. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University in Tallahassee, and later received his MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Fernandez is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a Carole Kneeland Fellowship alum.

ATLANTA—Gray Television has launched the streaming news network Local News Live on more than 500 Gray Television station websites, connected TV apps, and mobile apps. It’s also available on Gray stations during non-local news hours on several FAST channels.

The 24/7 Local News Live streaming news network provides live news coverage from Gray’s 113 television markets and Washington DC Bureau. 

“Our viewers value both local news and the unique, local perspectives on national stories Local News Live provides,” said Gray’s chief operating officer, Sandy Breland. “Our goal is to give those viewers the flexibility to watch all the content they are looking for, at any time, from a trusted source.”

Local News Live originally launched to provide content on stations’ streaming platforms during time periods between live-streamed local newscasts. The new configuration provides streaming audiences non-stop access to local and national news feeds on designated channels housed within station CTV apps and websites.

Local News Live’s signature program airs daily at 2:00 p.m. (ET) led by anchor and national correspondent Debra Alfarone. In addition to the expanded streaming opportunities, Local News Live at 2:00 p.m. will now be carried on WIS, Gray’s NBC Affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina. In doing so, Gray will bring Local News Live to an even wider audience by broadcasting the programming over the air on weekday afternoons.

“We are excited to add Local News Live to our daytime lineup and provide viewers a broader scope of national coverage with local impact every day,” said WIS vice president and general manager Robby Thomas.

Local News Live is based out of Gray’s Washington DC News Bureau.

Scripps is reporting that 43 of its local stations are now airing national news from Scripps News. That marks a significant increase from the 25 stations initially carrying the Scripps News programming when the company first announced plans to add Scripps News content to its station’s programming lineups. 

“Starting today, Scripps News programming will be available across 43 Scripps-owned local television stations," said Kate O’Brian, president of Scripps News. "The 24/7 national news network has already been airing its programs on 25 of its stations. This expansion gives more audiences the high-quality, fact-driven national news product Scripps News delivers every day. This does not replace Scripps’ commitment to local news coverage in any of our markets. It is a complement to the essential community coverage our trusted local stations consistently provide their audiences.”

The addition of the Scripps News programming is designed to add more news to the local stations and to increase the profile of Scripps News among audiences. 

ATLANTA—The Allen Media Group's digital platform Local Now has announced a new agreement with CBS that will add 18 CBS Fast channels. 

The launch expands Local Now’s local news footprint with the launch of 14 free ad-supported television (FAST) channels from CBS Stations. In addition to this local news content, Local Now has added to its lineup CBS News Streaming; CBS Sports Golazo Network, a 24/7 streaming channel dedicated to soccer; as well as channels featuring CBS Media Ventures’ Inside Edition, the nation’s top-rated syndicated newsmagazine; and Dabl, a network that features programming from the libraries of popular, lifestyle experts.

 “Local Now is the leading free streaming service for local news, so this partnership with CBS – a trusted local news source for millions of Americans – was an undeniable match,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “And with the addition of CBS News and CBS Sports Golazo Network, we’re simultaneously able to expand our entertainment content offering for our audience. We’re excited for what’s ahead with our great partners at CBS.” 

As part of the launch, CBS Stations reported that the minutes streamed by these channels are up 61 percent so far this year compared to the same period in 2022; and the last 12 months are the 12 biggest months since CBS became the first station group to stream local news in 2018.

The CBS local news channels include: 

• Baltimore (WJZ-TV)
• Bay Area (KPIX-TV)
• Boston (WBZ-TV)
• Chicago (WBBM-TV)
• Colorado (KCNC-TV)
• Detroit (WWJ-TV)
• Los Angeles (KCAL9 TV)
• Miami (WFOR-TV)
• Minnesota (WCCO-TV)
• New York (WCBS-TV)
• Philadelphia (KYW-TV)
• Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV)
• Sacramento (KOVR-TV)
• Texas (KTVT-TV)

Cox Media Group (CMG) has launched a local streaming news service called Neighborhood TV (NTV) that’s free and ad-supported.

NTV has been available in test mode on desktop and mobile in Atlanta and Charlotte and is already generating more than 100 million impressions monthly, CMG said. It is expected to be available in Orlando in Q4 2023.

The company positioned the launch as an extension of CMG’s linear TV business, addressing audiences who have adopted streaming in addition to traditional TV and cable. Neighborhood TV is accessible on the web at www.neighborhoodTV.com, and via the CTV app on all major streaming platforms including Samsung and Roku. 

NTV, currently covering 70 neighborhoods in Georgia and 30 neighborhoods in North Carolina, is planning to target as many as 5,000 neighborhoods across the U.S. 

As part of the effort, NTV has partnered with McClatchy and plans to expand in the Southeast, and in thousands of other neighborhoods across the U.S. , CMG said. 

“We see audiences migrating online with a keen interest in local happenings and as the leading broadcaster in key markets, we want to build on the equity we already have by expanding in this way,” explained Steve Pruett, executive chairman of CMG.

The launch comes at a time when station groups like Hearst and Sinclair have launched local streaming services to expand their audiences and capitalize on the growth of streaming.

In announcing the launch CMG also released some early audience testing of Neighborhood TV that found residents are eager to know more about what’s going on in their immediate neighborhood through an authentic, realistic lens. Seventy-two percent say they have a positive first impression, driven by content, e.g. things you need to know in your community.  Of the 72%, a majority appreciate it because:

• It’s all local information and news.
• All about community news and events. 
• Covers things specifically related to my area. 
• Offers good and trustworthy information. 
• Informative things I need to know. 
• Coverage from places I recognize (local).

The research also found that current awareness of NTV is strong at 18%

More widely, the company also cited research and data showing that Americans’ appetite for “really local” content has surged, perhaps driven by COVID and people working from home. Locals want to know what is going on in their neighborhoods, as evidenced with the growth of NextDoor, which had a reported 37 million users in Q2 of 2022. 

Also, with local journalism struggling, many communities have little or no local coverage.  A report by Medill’s local News initiative found that between the pre-pandemic months of late 2019 and the end of May 2022, more than 360 newspapers closed. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than one-fourth of its newspapers and is on track to lose a third by 2025. As a result, local advertisers are also struggling to find ways to reach their prospects. 

The Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have made a significant upgrade to its weather and climate supercomputer that will improve its weather forecasting capabilities the government agencies reported. 

As part of the upgrade NOAA expanded the capacity of the nation’s Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System (WCOSS) by 20%. The increased computing power and storage will help improve forecast model guidance for years to come and allow for other weather prediction advances, NOAA reported. 

“Our investment in high-performance computing will pay off with better U.S. weather modeling,” said Michael C. Morgan, Ph.D., assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction. “Forecast model upgrades made possible by this increased computing capacity will bring improved and timely forecasts and warnings that better protect life and property.”

Twin supercomputers Dogwood (pictured above) and Cactus (NOAA's weather and climate operational supercomputing system) both received a 20% upgrade. 

Located in Manassas, Virginia, and Phoenix, Arizona, respectively, each supercomputer now operates at a speed of 14.5 petaflops.

Faster supercomputing will allow NOAA to run more complex forecast models while increased storage space will enable more data to be fed and assimilated into the system. These improvements will permit upgrades to NOAA’s weather forecasting systems and models over the next few years.

Those upgrades will include: 

• Upgrades to the U.S. Global Forecast System will make it higher-resolution. The model's horizontal resolution will improve to nine kilometers, compared to 13 in the current version. This upgrade will help smaller-scale features to be seen and simulated, improving model accuracy and overall model performance.
• A new Rapid Refresh Forecast System, which will allow for larger ensembles with more data included, providing a measure of certainty in a particular forecast that can lead to better decision-making. These updates also allow for more advanced high-resolution data-assimilation techniques.
• Upgrades to the Global Ensemble Forecast System, which will more accurately capture what is known as radiatively active aerosols to better model emissions such as wildfire smoke, dust and fog. 
• Expansion in compute power and storage, which will provide operational capacity to implement research and development advancements made through NOAA’s Earth Prediction Innovation Center. 

With this upgrade, the twin supercomputers, located in Manassas, Virginia, and Phoenix, Arizona, now operate at a speed of 14.5 petaflops each, and together, the forecast system can process 29 quadrillion calculations per second., NOAA said. 

Coupled with NOAA’s research and development supercomputers in West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Colorado, which have a combined capacity of 20 petaflops, the supercomputing capacity supporting NOAA’s new operational prediction and research is now 49 petaflops.

“This increased supercomputing power allows for upgrades to specific modeling systems that will help weather forecasters deliver more accurate weather forecasts, watches and warnings and improved certainty in a forecast,” said Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service.

NOAA has made significant advances to its forecast models since WCOSS was implemented in June 2022. Earlier last month, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System went operational. In June, the Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade allowed for storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

NOAA’s weather forecasting systems and models are developed and managed by the Environmental Modeling Center in College Park, Maryland, which is part of the National Weather Service, in collaboration with NOAA research scientists and the broader modeling community. Over 20 operational numerical weather prediction models are run on WCOSS.

In 2020, NOAA contracted with the company General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) on the supercomputer acquisition, upgrade, products and services. The 8-year contract, with a 2-year optional renewal, provides a total managed service.